Any one that is a fan of portable solar power gadgets will love the idea of solar powered cell phones! Manufacturers like Nokia are working to perfect the functioning of embedded solar panels within mobile phones to allow for on-the-go charging via sunlight.

In fact, Nokia has been testing solar charging panels in its C1-02 devices in various settings around the world, from the Baltic Sea, to the plains in Africa and even deep in a Swedish forest. What the cell phone manufacturer discovered was that the effectiveness of solar powered cell phones has less to do with location, than how they are used. While solar panels are just being researched right now, you could possibly see a solar powered Nokia T-Mobile cell phone in the future, once the technology is perfected.

“Our test users proved beyond doubt that a low power mobile phone can stay functioning for long periods of time on solar energy. However, they also proved that your lifestyle and how you use a solar powered phone is as important as the environment, the weather and the time of year.”

The bottom line is that solar powered cell phones are more effective for people that use their phones infrequently and allow them to absorb sunlight over extended periods of time. In addition, cell phones with solar panels may be most practical in sunny regions, particularly those in remote areas not reached by the grid.

Research and development continues. As solar cells become more efficient in converting UV light to energy, we could soon see solar mobile phones that are practical for many uses in more and more areas of the world.