We've already seen prototypes for a solar powered MP3 player here at EcoGeek, and a solar cell phone is an obvious next step for the prototypers of the world.

 

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is a consortion of over 50 technology research firms (most of which are, surprise! German.)  Details on their solar powered cell phone are sketchy, and we are skeptical. This would, at best, simply be an alternate method for charging your phone.  It wouldn't replace power chords and, unless solar panels get much more efficient (or some mysterious Russian substance saves the day) there simply won't be enough surface area on a phone to power it.

 

Now, we should be fair, phones are getting more efficient all the time.  But they're also getting smaller (less room for panels.)  I'm ready to say that, if this ever happens, it's five years away.  For now, we'll just have to settle for solar backpacks and clothes .

 

Via PersonalTechPipeline