Solar Powered Charging Stations

In our quest to find technology being used for good, we stumbled upon a very neat new gadget. After the devastation of Superstorm Sandy, AT&T jumped onboard with creating solar powered phone charging stations. The officially called "AT&T Street Charge Project" has unveiled 25 free solar powered charging stations across five boroughs in New York City and might add more stations at a later time. Each station has six ports to provide charging for a wide variety of devices. The solar panels are provided by a company that we strongly support called Goal Zero. If you are interested in reading more about Goal Zero, check out our archived newsletter article about "Testing Solar Power".

These charging stations are a great in those inopportune times when the phone battery is almost dead and you have no place in close proximity with a power outlet. More importantly, because these stations are solar and off the grid, they will aid people in charging their phones in times of need, especially if the power in the city is out. Worst case scenarios do happen and it is best to be prepared ahead of time. AT&T claims that these stations will work during all parts of the day, including night as well as in the shade. It sounds like the stations have a built in battery to store solar power for night and shade use.

Because the future is not always predictable, it is great to be prepared. AT&T did a wonderful job in creating something that people can use in the time of need and especially when there is no electricity. In case something does happen, people will be able to charge their devices which will allow them to communicate with others who might be worried and need a status update. As NYC is starting the public solar charging trend, it is still unclear when the rest of the nation will follow. Keep checking the TechFarmer bogs for updates and other technology news!