Solar Cell Phones Take Off in Developing Nations

CNN reports that Safaricom Ltd. has launched Kenya's first solar-charged phone this month. "The handset comes with a regular electrical charger and a solar panel that charges the phone using the sun's rays" and retails for approximately $35.

Samsung introduced a solar-powered phone, the Solar Guru, in India in mid-June.

Both phones are aimed at emerging markets where electricity supply can be scarce and residents often pay vendors to recharge cell phones.