Could the next Macbook Pro you buy be solar-powered? The answer is yes, according to a new patent issued to Apple from the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

On Tuesday, January 28th, the organization awarded Apple the patent which is known simply as the "Electronic device display module." It describes the two-sided display lid for the portable computers, which can be used for any of Apple's laptop options such as the Pro and Macbook Air. The front of the lid that faces the user would be the standard display screen all Apple customers have seen for years, but the back side of the lid would be much more functional.

The rear of the lid, according to the patent given to Apple, would be made out of electrochromic glass, which is commonly known as "smart glass." Smart glass has the ability to alter its opacity to either block light out or let it pass through, and each layer of the glass houses its own elements. Different layers would display different information, such as the Apple logo, and could even offer you the ability to manipulate items that you see on the screen.

The most important piece of Apple's new patent is the presence of photovoltaic (PV) cells, which would be located under the rear part of the lid. PV cells are commonly installed in large-scale solar power panels used to provide electricity to buildings. The same principle would apply here, with the cells converting light from the sun and other artificial sources into electricity to charge the computer.

While the reality of a solar-powered computer from Apple is still years away, you can purchase any of their existing products by shopping with PortableOne. We carry everything from Macbooks to iPads, making us your one-stop place for all your Apple product needs.