Apple has filed a patent for a method of placing photovoltaic cells underneath an LCD touch screen, which would give them a great opportunity to maximize that 3.5 inch screen on the iPhone.

According to the filing, the solar power info could be displayed either on the solar cells themselves, or on the device itself near the rest of the stats such as battery power, message alerts, etc.

Solar powered phones could change that constant need to find a plug, USB cable, or extra battery, and instead give way to people all requesting window offices. Smoke breaks replaced by charging breaks. Sucks for those of you who live in depressingly grey cities like my hometown of Seattle.

Forbes (thanks, arash)