# Solar Cells on Portable Devices New Apple Patent Promises Green Gadgets By Ayman | Published 2008-05-26 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-patent-solar-gadgets References: [engadget](http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/26/apple-files-patent-for-solar-cells-on-portable-devices/) & [appft1.uspto.gov](http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u;=/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PG01&s1=20080094025&OS=20080094025&RS=20080094025) Imagine your [iPhone](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/g4-charger) or [iPod](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ipod-wallpapers) automatically charging by the sun as you use it. A new [Apple](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stuffcool-1) patent promises exactly that, by exploring the use of solar power in various versions of their mobile devices: iPhone, iPods and portable computers. The mechanism augments the devices, including the transparent screens, with layers of solar cells,. According to the [patent](http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PG01&s1=20080094025&OS=20080094025&RS=20080094025), "Solar cells are typically stacked with other layers made of transparent or semi-transparent materials... Some of these layers may be used for display or input purposes, and some layers may be coated with various materials or they may be etched with product logos or other patterns." I like where this is heading, and with solar technology improving rapidly, I hope we will soon see all gadgets coming with such solar cell layers. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 47% | Activity: 63% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Integration of Solar Power:** The exploration of solar power in portable devices opens up opportunities for integrating solar cells into various electronic devices, providing a sustainable and renewable energy source. - **Transparent Screens with Solar Cells:** The use of solar cells in transparent screens allows for seamless integration of solar power technology into portable devices, enabling charging on the go. - **Advancements in Solar Technology:** The rapid improvement of solar technology presents an opportunity for the development of more efficient and powerful solar cells for use in portable devices. ### Where This Applies - **Electronics:** The electronics industry can incorporate solar power technology into their devices, offering consumers a more sustainable and eco-friendly option for powering their gadgets. - **Renewable Energy:** The renewable energy sector can leverage the integration of solar cells into portable devices to promote the adoption of clean energy and expand the market for solar power. - **Mobile Technology:** The mobile technology industry can capitalize on the use of solar power in portable devices to create innovative and eco-friendly solutions that cater to the growing demand for sustainable technology. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Origami-Inspired Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sego-innovations.md) - [Device-Charging Sun Hats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecoflow-power-hat.md) - [Solar-Ready Portable Power Banks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gosun-power-266.md) - [Origami Travel Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-panel-origami-technology.md) - [Folding Solar Power Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dexpole-solar-power-bank.md) - [Colored Glass Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beautiful-solar-panels.md) - [Expandable Solar Power Banks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deepsolar-x20-solar-power-bank.md) - [Solar-Powered Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rpt02-sol.md) - [Heritage Building-Blending Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisible-solar.md)