During a time when environmentally-friendly products are the rage (as they should be), most companies are trying to find ways to make their business and products greener. Cell phones are the latest product to join the green club with HiTech Wealth's introduction of the first solar powered cell phone, the S116. 
The China-based company plans to roll out 30 solar powered phones by 2009. This is a great marketing strategy. While other companies like Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) and AT&T (NYSE: T) are focusing on introducing new cell phones to the market that provide additional functionality like the iPhone, HiTech Wealth is banking on a completely different strategy - a cleaner environment.
The company claims the S116 can be charged from any light source (even a candle), and just one hour in the sun will give a user 40 minutes of talk time. The S116 also has a battery lifespan 2.5 times longer than traditional batteries. Combining these innovative features should undoubtedly reduce the amount of energy the 400 million cell phone users in China consume recharging their phones via electricity. At least, that's the hope, and the product will be positioned in the market accordingly.
I think a solar powered cell phone is one of the best environmentally conscious product innovations I've heard of in quite some time. Not only that, but I love the idea of not having to worry about my phone's battery dying. Just leave your phone next to the light on your desk, and voila, your phone is ready to go. I can see this product being positioned on the market as a green alternative as well as a convenient choice. Hopefully, we won't have to wait too long for solar powered cell phones to make it to the United States.
For more opinions on the first solar powered cell phone, read these posts from the blogosphere:
Solar Powered Mobile Phones to be Available this Year
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