Solar Power Project.

For a couple years now I've been seriously considering building a portable solar power system for my laptop (a 17" Apple Powerbook G4, 1.67GHz). The two motivations behind such a project are to achieve a real understanding of photovoltaic technology and the power consumed by my computer. I use the qualifier "considering" because I've yet to find a source for all the necessary components. Let me explain.

Most consumer solar power systems consist of one or more solar panels, a charge controller, and one or more batteries. The solar panel(s) supply power to the charge controller, which regulates the storage of that energy in the form of a battery charge. The battery energy can then be used when direct sunlight isn't available to the solar panel(s). Connecticut Solar sells just such a package (60 watt, 16 amp) for $795, and it's specifically marketed for laptops and consumer electronics applications. The "rub" is that you're unnecessarily complicating the issue with such packages. You shouldn't need a charge controller and battery when your laptop already has those components. Another downside is that these systems only supply enough power to run the laptop - not charge its internal battery.

What I would like to build is a portable solar power system for my laptop that eliminates all of the duplicate components. This should require only one or more solar panels and a DC to DC converter. The challenge has been to source a DC to DC converter that can take power from a set of solar panels and produce ~2.65 amps at 24 volts DC (the exact output rating of my AC-DC laptop power supply). Any ideas?