A Basic Solar Setup for a House
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I'm currently helping a friend cobble together a low cost, easy to use, and very basic solar setup to power LED lanterns, mini-fans, and charge phones during an extended power outage; something which happens here in hurricane country with remarkable regularity.
Over the years I've shared other - somewhat more complicated - solar projects, which are capable of running (or being scaled up to run) more power-hungry devices.
The two simplest options being:
- Prebuilt off-the-shelf USB powered devices (radios, lights, fans, etc.) along with one (or more) solar panels or
- a do-it-yourself 12 volt system with a larger solar panel.
Pre-built power stations (e.g. Jackery, EcoFlow, Bluetti, etc.) are excellent options, but they can be pricey - and if one breaks - you don't have many options beyond sending it back for repair.
However, if you have the skills to build one - and keep a few spare parts on hand - you may be able to repair it yourself.
Weighing in at less than 15 lbs, this 50 amp/hr (600 watt/hour) setup is self contained, with storage for cables, a wall charger, and a small 110v inverter. All you need to add is a solar panel (100 watt or better).
While none of these solar solutions will run your A/C, refrigerator, or other heavy-draw appliances, they can power the basics; lights, fans, phone, tablet, and radios.
But they all require some degree of technical/electrical/mechanical skill to cobble together - they can be difficult to store, setup and operate - and each system can cost anywhere from $200 to well over $400.
What my friend wanted is something that can be bought off-the-shelf, can sit neglected on a closet shelf until it is needed, that requires minimal skills to use, is inexpensive, and can be used even in an apartment.
As long as your power requirements are reasonably low - given the price drops in solar panels and USB devices - it is now possible to do so for less than $100. It can also be scaled up over time.
All you really need is a way to generate power (a solar panel), a way to store that power (a USB battery bank), and efficient ways to use that stored power (a USB rechargeable Lantern, Fan, and (your existing) phone).
Everything connects via USB cables, just like you charge your phone. In a pinch, the solar panel can even be hung facing out of an apartment window (although it won't be nearly as efficient).
What I came up with costs less than $100 (based average prices on Amazon today), weighs less than 5lbs, and will almost fit in a shoe box.
The solar panel (which I have purchased twice now) folds to 8"x11", but unfolds to 32"x11". There are several similar brands out there that you may wish to consider, and you could opt for a slightly larger 40 watt model for $15-$20 more.
The only real maintenance required is to take the usb battery, fans, and lanterns out every 6 months or so and top off their charge.
All of this is so lightweight, I keep one of these mini-solar panels, a fan, a lantern and a usb battery in my auto bug-out bag (I also have a cigarette-lighter USB charger in my car).
This system can easily be expanded.
I've added a USB AA/AAA charger so I can use the solar panel to recharge NiMH and NiCD batteries in other devices. Cost? About $10 (plus batteries).
The physical and psychological impacts stemming from the hardships during and after a disaster are quite real (see Post-Disaster Sequelae), and a modicum of creature comforts can go a long ways towards reducing their effects.But with the prices and the off-the-shelf solutions available today, there is little reason to light dangerous candles - or worse, fumble around in the dark - during an extended power outage.
Being prepared doesn't guarantee you and your loved ones will come through a major disaster unscathed. But it is relatively cheap insurance, and when things do go sideways, it can substantially improve your chances.
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