My older (circa 2019) basic $200 kit
#19,220
Last summer the U.S. Department of Energy published a 73-page report that warned that if current schedules for retirement of reliable power generation (especially baseload) continue, without enough firm replacement, the risk of blackouts in 2030 could increase by 100× over current levels.
Number one on their Key Takeaways is:
Status Quo is Unsustainable. The status quo of more generation retirements and less dependable replacement generation is neither consistent with winning the AI race and ensuring affordable energy for all Americans, nor with continued grid reliability (ensuring “resource adequacy”).
Absent intervention, it is impossible for the nation’s bulk power system to meet the AI growth requirements while maintaining a reliable power grid and keeping energy costs low for our citizens.
Six months ago, in NERC: Long-Term Reliability Assessment (Jan 2026), we looked at a 181-page NERC Long-Term Reliability Report which similarly warned that our power grid is facing a growing risk of electrical shortfalls over the next decade.
As a native Floridian, I've grown used to power outages. Usually, they last an hour or three, but when they are caused by hurricanes, we can be talking days (sometimes weeks), usually during the hottest part of the year.
Last week my power went out for an hour when the temperature was 95 degrees. A friend of mine who lives an hour away, was without power overnight earlier this month.
Fortunately, we have both invested in modest solar backup power systems, and were able to power fans, radios, cell phone, and lights. While neither of us could run our air conditioners, we were both far more comfortable than many others in the same predicament.
My first `solar blog' was more than 20 years ago (see BASIC PREPS : SOLAR POWER), but there are far better options today. Small, foldable solar panels (30-100 watt) are about a dollar a watt now, and rechargeable USB battery packs are getting bigger and cheaper every year.Over the years we've looked at some of my homebrew solar power setups, a journey which began in 1990 aboard my sailboat. Luckily, like personal computers, the price of solar has plummeted since then.
It is now possible to put together a basic emergency solar power kit for under $100.
While I'm not recommending specific brands or suppliers, these are all typical of items I've purchased and used myself (2025 Prices)
Yesterday I ordered a 50,000 mAh USB battery bank for $29 and a 33 watt solar panel (USB charging) for $33. Add in couple of USB corded fans ($15) and a couple of rechargeable LED lanterns ($8), and you have a basic (albeit limited) system.
Not only are theses newer USB batteries 3x more powerful than my old rig (see above), the solar panel is 50% stronger, and they cost less than what I paid 7 years ago.
The beauty of these plug and play systems is there is no assembly. No technical knowledge required. No, they won't run your fridge, or big screen TV, but they will keep your phone charged, fans running, and lights on for days or even weeks (assuming you have any decent sun exposure).
These are my `Go' bag power options, but less mobile and more powerful options are available for only a few hundred dollars. Some will even run those`big ticket' items, like refrigerators and small freezers, at least for a few hours.
Prices have dropped enough that you can buy a `Solar Generator' system (battery/inverter & panel) for under $500 that will substantially expand your capabilities; not enough to run an air conditioner, but many smaller appliances.
Eighteen months ago, I detailed my home build of (3) USB power banks (see Post-Milton Improvements To My Power Preps). By building my own, I saved some money, and if one breaks, I have a decent chance of being able to repair it (I have spare parts for major components).Since I like to tinker, and appreciate the benefits of being able to repair/upgrade my own equipment even during a power outage, I tend to build my own systems.
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 watts or better).
While weather related emergencies used to be the primary threat to our electrical grid, between spiralling demand, power plant retirements, and potential cyber attacks, the odds are only increasing that you'll experience a prolonged outage in the future.
For more on preparing for that eventuality, you may wish to revisit:
