| I can still remember the analogue days of travel, when | | | | depends mostly on the size of the device. Bigger solar |
| I backpacked through Europe and Asia with no more | | | | panels generally provide more power. Other factors |
| electronics than a couple of Double-A batteries (at | | | | influence the amount of electricity produced by a solar |
| best). I only needed them if I wanted to use the flash | | | | power device. These factors include the strength of |
| on my camera. That was less than fifteen years ago. | | | | the sun, the length of exposure to the sun, the |
| Now I don't even go to the zoo without my laptop and | | | | obstruction to sun (mist, cloud cover, dust, etc.), and the |
| my digital camera. When the battery runs out, it's time | | | | location of the equipment on the Earth. |
| for coffee. And then I make sure I sit near a power | | | | Different solar power devices provide different |
| outlet in the nearest cafe. | | | | amounts of power, and are therefore compatible with |
| But what do you do when there are no power | | | | different types of equipment. |
| outlets? If you are kayaking in the middle of the | | | | Portable Solar Power devices also exist in a variety of |
| Atlantic, climbing Mount Everest, or just on a local | | | | forms. Some are light and flexible, while some are |
| camping trip in the wilderness, what do you do when | | | | contained in durable units that look like a small suitcase |
| the batteries run out? | | | | or radio. There are waterproof varieties, as well as |
| Some say "just bring extra batteries." That might work. | | | | solar panels built into bags and backpacks. |
| But what if you have several different electronic items, | | | | When you are away for a few days, extra batteries |
| and you don't want to buy spare batteries for each of | | | | may suffice to keep your camera or phone going. But |
| them? What if you'll be away from civilization for an | | | | if you will be away from civilization for weeks? Or |
| extended period of time, and the spare batteries just | | | | even months? Ironically, escaping from the modern |
| won't last? | | | | world can also involve modern solutions. Far and alone |
| A solution for this can be portable solar power. | | | | on the Patagonian plains, with nothing but the wind and |
| Devices exist which will charge your electronic | | | | the horses to keep you company, you may feel like |
| equipment, using the power of the sun. | | | | you're living six centuries into the past. But that doesn't |
| Not all portable solar power devices are the same. | | | | mean you will never want to access your email or |
| Some provide enough power to charge a laptop, | | | | take a photograph. |
| some can be used for smaller devices such as | | | | So don't cancel that 45-day mountain trek. And don't |
| cameras, and some can only be used for devices that | | | | leave your digital camera behind. |
| use very little electricity - like MP3 players. | | | | We don't all have to be tethered to the power lines. |
| The amount of power that a solar device provides | | | | |