The exploration of wind power is not a new concept. Early, humans have always sailed the oceans even before the advent of the engines. Ships are driven by wind and for centuries, humans have used wind power to pump water and saw wood. Today, they are still used to pump water where power outages occur, then make your own solar cell.

In the 20th century the ease with which fossil fuels could be harnessed and the resultant greater power from these resources pushed wind power to the back seat. In the years following the use of fossil fuels, it seemed that this form of fuel was cheap ad plentiful and thus easily eclipsed wind solar power. However, the 173 oil crisis changed the viewpoint of many and since then, wind solar power again came to light and has done that ever since.

Even a tiny conventional oil-driven generator can weigh 50 pounds, and put out noise and much smoke, and would be unwelcome in most places. However, the solar powered battery charger isn’t really up to the task of charging anything larger than a laptop. The best part of it may be that solar panels are not on the Transportation Security Administration’s list of dangerous items to carry on a flight.

Of course, large batteries are still not welcome; they’re just too dangerous. If you think about it, your own little power station kind of sounds like something out of Star Trek. Has it been that long since we used to watch Star Trek then?