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Computerworld - I believe that someday most buildings, vehicles and devices will be solar-powered. And that includes our personal gadgets -- phones, laptops and digital cameras.

The old vision of massive solar energy plants powering everything from a central hub has been replaced by the dream of solar panels on every building, vehicle and gadget under the sun -- plus the massive solar power plants.

In order to get there from here, however, we need a surge in investment, experimentation and product development -- a revolution in trying things.

I'm here to tell you that the revolution is here. While nobody was looking, the widespread transition to solar power began in a big way.

There are mega projects in the California desert and elsewhere that follow the old model. But a huge number of solar-powered, commercially available products have come on the market recently. And a great many projects and innovations are springing up everywhere.

Hotels are installing solar-powered shade umbrellas where guests can charge their gadgets while lounging by the pool. Golf courses are rolling out solar-powered golf carts.

Companies are close to selling roof tiles that act as solar panels. Eventually, they'll be able to print solar panels like paper in quantities that bring the cost of power generation down below those of current methods.

Cities are rolling out solar-powered pay phones, parking meters and lighted bus stops. Solar-powered food trucks and food carts are springing up in a few sunny locations around the country.

Researchers are experimenting with solar-powered airplanes, pilotless drones and weather balloons.

The Toyota Prius has a solar panel on the roof that automatically powers a ventilation system to keep the car cool.

The IKEA furniture chain is working to make eight of its California stores solar-powered.

The list goes on. In fact, America's capacity to produce solar energy will double this year alone.

One of the most immediately gratifying aspects of this revolution is a new generation of solar-powered consumer electronics that have come on the market recently.

I've rounded up five of the coolest -- or, I should say hottest -- of these devices. Here they are: Five new solar gadgets that charge themselves.

1. AUO Solar Laptop

Next week, a company called AU Optronics plans to introduce a solar-powered laptop. It has a solar panel on the outside of the lid, and another one built into the keyboard, which is also an iPad-like touch display.

The keyboard design is exciting because touch displays are an up-and-coming technology. I'd love to see iPad-like tablets or e-book readers with solar panels built into the screen somehow.

AUO plans to sell its power-generating touch keyboard to other notebook makers.