Japan’s second-largest mobile operator, KDDI, is to launch a solar-powered mobile device manufactured by fellow Japanese company Sharp in June. The operator said that 10 minutes of solar charge would provide enough energy for the phone to make a 1 minute voice call or remain on standby for two hours. Solar energy will be able to charge up to 80 percent of the phone’s battery, meaning that minimal use of standard electricity will be required and carbon dioxide emission levels can be reduced.

The launch is the latest in a growing range of so-called ‘eco friendly’ devices unveiled by handset manufacturers this year. Although larger rivals such as LG, Samsung and ZTE showcased solar-powered handsets at the GSMA Mobile World Congress last February, the Sharp device is likely to be the world’s first commercially available handset driven by sunlight. Samsung’s phone – which is yet to launch  – is also made from recycled plastic from water bottles, similar to Motorola’s Motorola W233 Renew, which was launched at the beginning of the year and available from T-Mobile USA.