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In a recent MacRumors report, a new Apple Patent was revealed.  This time, the patent talks about the use of Solar power in their iPods, iPhones, and laptops.  The idea presented would place the Solar cells directly behind the LCD display, in an effort to both save space and keep things looking slick.  Although solar power would provide huge benefits in terms of extending battery lives, it will not (at least in its current form) come without a small price. 

The major issues that come attached to solar panels are size and durability.  Smaller panels, obviously, provide less power, and thus the efficiency of the panel comes into question.  In an iPod for example, which, for the average user, resides most of the time in your pocket, it might not get enough time in the light to be a plausible add on.  Another issue of efficiency is just sheer lack of screen space.  A Nano doesn’t really provide the space needed for a large enough panel.  A final issue to do with size is Thickness.  Solar panels, in their current form, are pretty thick.  One of today’s small panel’s would almost triple the thickness of a MacBook.

Then comes the question of Durability.  Keeping the panel behind the display would probably be the best bet from a safety standpoint, but not efficiency.  Should the panel be located on the outside, the panel would be subject to the elements.  Even the smallest crack could render the panel inefficient, if not useless. 

So, until there is some technological breakthrough with Solar panels, both in their size, efficiency, and durability, the integrated solar panels idea will have to be put on hold.  Other than the few issues that could prevent the production of integrated panels, I think that this could be a great way to extend battery lives without more chemicals and other fuels.  This should definitely be something that Apple should look into in depth over the next few years.

Via [MacRumors]