Introducing Iris: The All-in-One Portable Solar Tracker Engineered for Life Off the Grid

Meet Iris—a revolutionary portable energy system designed for modern adventurers, creators, and off-grid enthusiasts.  Iris redefines what’s possible in portable solar technology. Compact, intelligent, and rugged, it delivers reliable, clean power wherever your journey takes you—no compromises, no cords, just pure independence.

When Iris Solar approached Optima, they brought with them a bold concept and an early-stage mechanical prototype. The vision was to transform that early idea into a refined, high-performance product that could be manufactured at scale and withstand real-world conditions. More than a technical challenge, the project represented an opportunity to contribute to the growing demand for sustainable solutions. We were excited to help bring it to life.

From the beginning, Iris was conceived as a smarter, simpler alternative to bulky and complex solar setups. It had to be lightweight and easy to carry, with tool-free assembly and intuitive use. Designed to track the sun across two axes, Iris maximizes solar energy capture throughout the day. It integrates seamlessly with smartphones for real-time control and monitoring, and features a hot-swappable 270Wh rechargeable battery that supports USB-C universal charging.

Crucially, Iris is built for the outdoors. Its rugged, weather-resistant construction ensures reliable performance in a wide range of environments—from mountain campsites to remote deserts. And at under 6kg, it’s light enough to be carried wherever power is needed. Every element was designed with both practicality and sustainability in mind, offering a powerful off-grid solution without sacrificing usability or aesthetics.

As Iris’s development partner, Optima led the full design and engineering journey. Using advanced CAD tools, digital simulations, and photorealistic renders, we refined the form, function, and performance of the system. Our engineering team conducted extensive digital testing to fine-tune the sun-tracking mechanism, evaluate structural integrity, and ensure consistent performance in extreme weather conditions.

Simultaneously, our visualization team developed high-end product renders and animations. These assets played a critical role in communicating the concept to investors, partners, and early adopters, helping generate interest and momentum even before the first prototype was built.

What sets Iris apart isn’t just its sleek design—it’s how seamlessly it fits into everyday outdoor use. Its magnetic clip-on solar panels make setup fast and effortless, while detachable legs provide functional stability without adding bulk. The companion smartphone app gives users full control, allowing them to monitor energy performance, adjust tracking, and even locate their unit if it’s misplaced. Combined with a long-life swappable battery and universal USB-C ports, Iris delivers a versatile and user-friendly power solution that’s ready for anything.

Through rapid prototyping and field testing, we fine-tuned the experience at every level—from magnetic strength and wind resistance to ease of transport and ergonomic handling. Each iteration brought Iris closer to its final form: refined, reliable, and ready for life on the move.

Iris is more than a solar product—it’s a complete energy system for those who value freedom, sustainability, and smart design. It’s compact enough to fit in a backpack, yet powerful enough to charge phones, laptops, and cameras with ease. And thanks to its intelligent tracking, Iris captures significantly more solar energy than static panels, keeping devices powered longer without the hassle.

Whether you’re exploring the wilderness, living off-grid, or working remotely from the world’s wildest places, Iris lets you stay connected—quietly, cleanly, and confidently.

Iris has already captured attention on the global stage. It has been featured at leading sustainability and innovation events, and successfully reached its funding goal on Kickstarter in its first campaign. With full-scale production underway, Iris is on track for commercial release in 2026.

This is just the beginning. Iris is built for the next generation of travellers and thinkers—those who seek adventure without compromise, and power without pollution.

At Optima, we specialise in turning visionary ideas into real-world products. With over 25 years of experience across consumer electronics, medical devices, industrial tools, and transport technologies, we offer end-to-end industrial design and engineering services tailored to bold, innovative thinking.

Whether you’re starting with a sketch or refining a prototype, we’re here to help you bring your next big idea to market—thoughtfully, beautifully, and successfully.

Have something in mind? Let’s design something brilliant together.