This week saw the introduction of a number of new solar-powered mobile phones, led by Samsung's introduction of its Blue Earth solar phone.

"The back side of the Blue Earth has been outfitted with a large solar panel," writes Mobile Mag's Michael Kwan. "They say that this panel will be able to generate enough electricity to make a phone call any time that you want. Presumably, you'll need to holster the phone to the outside of your pants to do that, because not too many of the sun's rays will be able to penetrate your backpack or pocket..."

"There's more eco-friendly goodness on offer in the fact that the phone is made from PCM - a plastic made from recycled bottles," writes ZDNet's Sandra Vogel. "And apparently the phone will feature an 'eco mode' switch to help you lower power consumption."

Still, it's not all about Samsung. LG also introduced a prototype solar phone this week, with no anticipated release date. "LG didn't release much information about its prototype phone, but images from the company show what appears to be a version of its KF750 Secret handset with - like the Samsung phone - solar cells covering the rear of the phone's case," writes IDG's Martyn Williams.

And according to Pocket-lint's Amy Mae Elliott, Chinese manufacturer ZTE has also announced a solar phone. "Aimed at developing markets, the ZTE option is for those who need the solar tech in order to actually be able to use the phone, rather than for the more faddy eco-nista type market," she writes.

More here from GreenMuze ... more here from DVICE ... more here from Engadget ... more here from Electronista ... more here from Inhabitat ... more here from Ubergizmo ... and more here from Mobile Gazette.