Mobile service provider Vodafone-Essar today said it has launched its solar-charging mobiles in Tamil Nadu.

Priced at Rs 1,500 the handset "VF-247" uses solar powered solution to benefit users in areas with adequate sunlight, Vodafone-Essar said in a statement here.

With an extended solar powered battery, the phone addresses problems in hilly and regimented forest areas. Besides, it can also charge by itself by exposure to ambient light, it said.

The phone is expected to be commercially available shortly, it said.

Similar to a normal handset, VF 247 also equipped with a host of other features like FM radio, color screen and a powerful torchlight.

"Vodafone's solar powered phone is launched for people residing in hilly and regiment forest areas where electric supply is not provided, so that consumers can rely on solar charging to remain connected," Vodafone Tamil Nadu Circle Chief Operating Officer Suresh Kumar said.

State Electricity Minister Arcot N Veerasamy, TANGEDCO (Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation) Chairman and Managing Director C P Singh launched the solar powered phone at a function at the Old Secretariat.