Power solutions in the field: Solar power for laptop computers

Abstract

The task of language documentation is increasingly tied to computers, for processing both text and audio. Working in the field can create problems that many of us do not experience in our home countries. Many language communities live in remote locations where mains electricity is non-existent or unreliable. One solution to this problem involves using solar panels to capture electricity, and a car battery to store it. This paper summarises the authors' experiences with powering laptops using solar panels and car batteries during our recent fieldtrips to Nigeria.