Solar and dynamo power for reliable sources of low voltage DC power: light, radio, cell phone, and anything that uses a battery.
The combination of small scale solar and a hand cranked or foot pedaled dynamo provides a reliable source of low voltage DC electricity, day or night, by sunlight or muscle power. It is one method to bring useful amounts of electricity to the quarter of the world's population that does not now have access and a good idea to have on hand in the industrialized world in case of emergency and disaster.
By my count, there are at least 700,000 solar/dynamo radios distributed throughout Afghanistan by US and NATO troops before or invasion. Unfortunately, the solar/dynamo can charge only the internal, hardwired radio battery, not standard size batteries that can be used in other devices. US AID plans to distribute 250,000 solar/dynamo radios in Sudan over the next five years. These solar/dynamos also will charge only the radio's battery.
We are missing a bet.
Under-Utilized Installed Solar Capacity in Afghanistan
Simple Solar - Part 1: Solar Cookers
Simple Solar - Part 2: Parabolic Concentrators
Simple Solar - Part 3: Windowbox Air Heater
Simple Solar - Part 4: Energy Basics
Simple Solar 5: Solar Backpack
Simple Solar 6: Solar Lights for Emergency and Daily Use