Simple as it gets: a battery, a solar panel (in this case an ICP 15-watt all-weather panel, rated at about 1 amp at peak output; 9.3 lbs., 5-year warranty, with 10-foot positive and negative wires); a 7-amp charge controller with two LED indicator lights (the ring terminals go on the battery); and two butt connectors to hook the panel wires to the controller wires. Behind the battery is an inverter, which can be hooked up to provide some AC power.

How simple it was for Captain Kirk—he asked for energy, and he received it. "More power, Mr.Scott!"

Alas, the world is ruled by physics, not fantasy. With more onboard demand for electronics and creature comforts, daily power usage keeps creeping up. Many of us rely solely on a diesel or gasoline engine to charge batteries, but today many are using other options either to supplement or even replace the engine/alternator combination for battery charging.

Solar panels have been springing up everywhere for supplying power and charging batteries. On land, we have solar-powered flashing lights at school crossings, construction warning signs, and pedestrian call boxes. On boats, we've seen solar panels mounted on…