I’m not saying don’t invest in the old-tech but, if you are going to make an investment in night-time lighting now’s the time to invest in a portable solar system.
Oil-Lanterns, Propane-Lanterns and Candles used to be the go-to lighting source during a disaster and its’ aftermath. The downside to these old-tech devices is they need petroleum-based fuels which can be hard to come by during a disaster aftermath. On top of that, is the huge home fire risk.
The alternative to oil-fueled lanterns?
LED Lights and rechargeable batteries. Today, solar panels, controllers, and batteries are very affordable. You can have all the quality lighting and communications you’ll ever need for free for the next 20-25 years and beyond and then you’ll never have to stand in line or beg for lamp oil or propane fuel.
(I know some are thinking what about cooking? You can’t do that on small solar systems but that’s what campfires are for or what I use, a Rocket Stove!)
A single 100-watt solar panel will provide the power to recharge batteries that will let you power numerous lighting devices, a TV and a radio to capture local broadcast channels. Your TV and portable AM/FM/Shortwave radio may very well be your only outside communications because cell service, internet, satellite or cable TV may be dead for many reasons. It’s one thing to be in the dark at night without light but what would be worse is being in the dark with no communications to know what’s happening around where you live and what caused the disaster. Also you can recharge your two-way handheld radios for neighborhood communications.
A 100 watt solar system is all you need:
A system this size is totally portable. So even if you live in an apartment or need to hunker-down at another location, all you have to do is stand the solar panel in the sun, in front of a window or sliding glass door to capture the sun. However, don’t leave the panel outside unattended as it will probably result in someone stealing it.
The typical system components:
- 1, 100-watt panel.
- 1, charge controller.
- 1, 400-watt inverter.
- 1, RV/Marine 12 volt battery.
- 1, NiCad Battery Charger.
Link to Home Depot Solar Kit $170.00 You’ll also need one RV/Marine battery, one Inverter and one NiCad battery charger. Total cost around $250.00 a small price to invest for endless lighting and communications.
