Photos: Pocket-size solar power

People capture only a tiny fraction of the energy the sun produces every day--1/10,000 of its output, according to NASA. Solar panels on your roof can cut down your power consumption. But even with government incentives, they typically take years to make up the initial upfront cost. What about small-scale solar? Can the sunlight on your windowsill make a dent in your energy bill and help the planet?

The answer is yes. There are several solar-powered electronic rechargers for your cell phone, iPod or laptop. And for the culinary-curious, solar ovens can replace polluting charcoal briquets on the barbeque. That's not to mention solar fans, lights, radios and backpacks.

Solar Style sells a couple of solar chargers. It offers a $55.99 kit that includes adapters to different cell phones but also works with digital cameras, game machines and digital music players. A full charge in the sun--either indoor or outdoor--takes between six and eight hours. A charge from an outlet takes four to five hours.