A new form of solar energy is tapping into a concept that has been working for plants for quite awhile: photosynthesis. With these special cells charging your cell phone may require nothing more than the sun’s rays.

This new technology uses a photosensitive dye to convert energy from the sun into power for commonly used electronic devices. A company called G24 Innovations, which specializes in solar power, has licensed the technology and will begin building these solar panels in their plant in Wales.

The product can work in unique ways for each product. For example, placed into a cover for an e-book readers or hidden in special backpacks and sports bags to charge things like cell phones and iPods.

G24 Innovation equips Sony e-books with stylish covers

The covers for charging Sony’s e-book readers will become available in March at the cost of $99, according to The New York Times. A variety of bags for anything from shopping to tennis will also enter the market costing anywhere from $149-$249. These products are produced by Mascotte Industrial Associates, a company in Hong Kong.

I expected the products to look all goofy and sci-fi but they are surprisingly stylish. The e-book covers are leather and come in two different colors and the golf and tennis bags look like…well, golf and tennis bags. The backpacks are a tad on the masculine side, but honestly I think the convenience of being able to leave home without twelve different chargers is well worth the sacrifice.

Though the cells need 6-8 hours in full sunlight to be fully charged, they are a very cool product for the eco-friendly consumer.