Hey iGeeks, guess what? Apple licensed their first official solar-powered iPod and iPhone charger. It’s called the Solar Surge and will be available by the end of Fall. The Surge can be fully charged by the sun, but also comes with a USB cord for nighttime power-ups. This is a win-win for both Apple and the solar industry – each are getting the other pumped about new technology. And we all know solar needs it. Think of the millions of future solar fanatics won over by the cool little handheld PV panels. And of course, the prospect of curing your dead battery crisis with a quick siesta in the park.

You can pre-order the charger now in one of three different colors: blue, pink and black, all with a metallic finish. The case is light enough to carry with you and includes a wrist or shoulder strap.

The Surge will come in two different versions, one for the iPod Touch 2G and another for iPhone models 3G and 3GS. Both chargers will retail for $69.95.

Popularity: 2% [?]

I tought I taw a putty-tat! I did, I did!

While that yellow Tweety was highly entertaining, today the yellow Tweeties gaining in popularity come in the form of companies, organizations, and enthusiasts bellowing everything they can about solar power on Twitter.

You can follow any or all of them and learn something new everyday about solar power, solar technology, solar events, solar programs, and more. Here are a few you might want to check out:

@5 Iron Solar Carts. Michigan-based company comprised of four entrepreneurs dedicated to “greening up” the golf industry with their solar-powered golf carts. Tweets include news and updates on what and how the company is doing along with links to other news in the world pertaining to solar power and motorized vehicles.

@13 Moon Solar Mama. From Toronto, Canada, this lady is promoting solar power, sustainable living and educating parents to spread the word to children about these topics and how they impact our daily lives. She tweets about solar events, solar power in the home (like her solar wastewater heater tank), solar jobs, and a bit of solar in the news.

@Alternative Power Blog. Tweets mainly to update blog posts on their site. Links relate to various different alternative power news and information like advances in solar technology, new solar-tech gadgets, renewable power plans and alternative power initiatives in government. (more…)

Popularity: 2% [?]

Solar powered apparel (I knew it would come to this eventually) is making a rise in the creative arena. While some of these items were designed by truly clever people, the others I’m afraid were concocted by some overworked brains with too much time on their hands.

InventorSpot just posted a blog on 5 solar-powered gadgets incorporated into clothing. I must admit that the solar powered sunglasses and necktie can be very useful and aren’t totally unattractive. Solar cells are integrated into the glasses lenses and can collect enough sunlight to charge handheld electronic devices like portable music players and solar panels in the tie can charge a cell phone. The great part about the solar powered tie is that it can transfer the sun’s energy to your phone while offering a pocket on the back of the tie for storing the phone at the same time – that’s pretty cool.

Not so cool, but wild and creative are the solar powered necklace, dress, and underwear. The necklace, while elegant looking, consists of a set of solar panels that make a wide collar around the wearer’s neck, there to charge the string of lights that top the necklace — what am I, a Christmas tree? Original, but no thanks. And don’t get me started on the dress – first of all – I’m a modest girl so in the words of my wise-father, “Where’s the rest of the dress?” It doesn’t look very comfortable, being 436 white circuit boards strung together with metal rings – I’d be afraid to sit in it (for several reasons). The circuit boards gather energy during the day to illuminate the dress at night – line up a bunch of beauties and you could have your own landing strip! (more…)

Popularity: 3% [?]