Cellphones with eco-inspired touches are nothing new; there’s the Samsung Blue Earth, Motorola Renew and the Sony Ericsson Greenheart (just to name a few), but there’s been little, if anything, you could do to green your existing cellphone. That’s about to change, however—provided you have an iPhone. Solar technology company Novothink has developed a line of skins for iPhones and iPods that include solar panels for on-the-go-charging via sunlight.

The Surge Solar Cases keep your Apple devices safe from bumps and bruises while charging up through the solar cells on the back of skins. While they’re not the first cellphone and MP3 player solar chargers available to consumers, the Novothink cases are the first Apple-licensed solar charger cases to hit the market and are poised to quickly become popular. The line already has many pre-release fans who are looking for a convenient way to tap into solar that doesn’t interfere with their iPhone or iPod use (the Surge cases don’t inhibit screens, speakers or plugs). Just don’t expect sleek lines and subtle styling with these solar charging cases, which add significant thickness to the device inside (expect your iPhone to double in width).

Even the technologically impaired don’t have to worry about the Surge cases being too complicated, though; charging is incredibly simple. You can let the case soak up the sun on its own (it’ll store the power in its internal battery for later use with your device) or slide your device in and it’ll divert all the solar power it gets straight into your iPhone or iPod Touch. Four LED bars indicate how much solar power, if any, is being brought in and how charged the device is. There’s even a Solar Planner App to give you estimates of how much charging you’ll need in various situations.

First generation iPhone and iPod Touch users won’t be able to tap into the technology as the cases only work with newer models, and those with non-Apple devices may be waiting awhile for a similar accessory, as Novothink has yet to announce any plans for other brands. Those with compatible devices, however, can look for the Surge Case for the iPod Touch later this month and the Surge Case for the iPhone around November, with both expected to sell for $70.

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