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For decades, scientists have been trying to harness the power of the sun as an alternative energy source. Harvesting solar power was not the problem though. It was creating solar cells that could be less bulky than a bus that was complicated. Much of their success in producing portable solar cells during the early years involved gadgets that required minimal power to operate such as calculators or digital wristwatches.

At the turn of the 21st century, the geeks in the lab gowns that make those cool gadgets finally made more ground with solar energy. Of course, they haven’t gone so far as to create a solar-powered IPhone or PSP. They did come pretty close though. In an age where some of what we have in our bags or backpacks need recharging regularly, they have finally made one of the most useful innovations of the decade — solar-powered bags that can charge your cellphones, PSPs, IPods, or even laptops. Cool huh? Now, there is no need to panic when your cellphone starts making that beeping noise before it finally takes its last breath. Just plug it into your bag and you’re safe till you get to another power outlet. I love geeks!

Apple seems to be looking at something sunnier as employees reported that it has filed a patent to place solar cells on portable devices. Apple’s devices such as the iPhone could be fitted with photovoltaic cells underneath the LCD touch screens to maximize the area that will harness the sun’s energy.

The filing indicated that the performance of a device’s solar cells could be displayed on the main screen next to info for battery power, text message alerts and time of day. Or it could also show on top of the solar cells themselves. Apple’s new technology could pave way for the next generation of wireless mobility. Users can finally charge their devices without the need to connect to the power grid.

Apple is not the only electronic manufacturer looking to harness the sun’s power since the 6.4-ounce Solio Mg ($200) from Better Energy Systems has already been out in the market. It has 3 magnesium blades that fan out to reveal solar panels which can store enough power to charge most phones and PDAs twice. According to sources, an hour of clear sun can provide cell phones about 25 minutes of talk time or an iPod an hour of playing time while it takes ten hours of direct sun to fully juice the device.

The Voltaic Systems’ Generator laptop bag is another device which is covered in solar cells to charge any laptop. It can generate up to 14.7 watts after a day of direct sunlight and can carry a 17-inch Apple Powerbook. The bag comes with adapters that allow other electronics, such as cell phones, to be charged.

These amazing new technologies are definitely making gadget freaks like me giddy with excitement.