Backup Power
Portable Power Stations and Generators
Backup power is essential during emergencies to ensure access to critical resources when the grid is down. Power outages can disrupt communication, heating, and access to information, which are vital for safety and making informed decisions. Backup power sources, like portable generators or battery stations, allow for charging phones, running medical devices, and keeping food refrigerated, reducing potential risks. In prolonged outages or extreme weather, reliable backup power becomes a lifeline, offering stability and security when access to regular utilities is compromised. Hence it is one of the most urgent needs during many disasters.
Portable Power Stations
Rechargeable power stations have become increasingly more popular. Since it is essentially a large battery pack, they offer a few advantages compared to conventional generators powered with gasoline, propane or natural gas.
- They are noise free since there are no moving parts.
- There is no air pollution since it is not a combustion engine
- Because of items 1 and 2 above, they can operate in the house, garage or other confined space.
The most significant disadvantage of portable power stations is initial cost. Solars panels must be added to the power station for it to serve as a solar generator and therefore, the ultimate investment is usually higher than a conventional generator for the same power output. However, as of January 1, 2023, both standalone battery stations and solar power generators qualify for the 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit. Hence, this makes the solar generator much more competitive with a conventional generator. The solar units must have a minimum output capacity of 3 kwh to qualify. Refer to IRS Form 5695 for additional details of the tax credit.
A few examples of the Anker power stations can be reviewed at the sponsored link below
A few examples of EF EcoFlow Power Stations can be reviewed at the sponsored link below
A few examples of Jackery Power Stations can be reviewed at the sponsored link below
Generators
While the portable power stations addressed above can also serve as a solar generator when paired with the appropriate solar panels, this section will focus on generators powered by gasoline, propane and natural gas. Features to consider when choosing a generator include ....
Power output
The power output (Kw) of your generator is the first parameter you need to decide and is dependent on the number and wattage of the devices you plan on needing to keep running plus some reserve capacity for sporadic devices you will need sporadically.
Run Time
How long is a tank/bottle of fuel going to last. This often rated by the manufacturer at full load. Who wants to get up in the middle of the night to pour gasoline or change propane bottles.
Fuel Source
Gasoline is the most common and readily available, but it presents some more safety issues when refueling and requires extra attention when preparing for storage.
Propane is cleaner burning than gasoline and is less likely to become contaminated during lengthy storage. It requires a propane bottle which most people have for their grill, but I would recommend an additional bottle for those nights when the bottle runs empty while operating your generator and everything is closed.
Natural gas is the cleanest burning fuel, but only practical if you have natural gas heat in your home and a separate outlet readily accessible outside the home. This also makes it a less portable.
Popular generators to consider purchasing - click on the sponsored link after each option below
- Honda EU2200i Inverter Generator - https://amzn.to/48JTMMA
- Craftsman C0010020 Portable Generator - https://amzn.to/4er6YHt
- Predator 9500-Watt Inverter Generator - https://amzn.to/40Id8Qc
- Champion 4250-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator - https://amzn.to/4etzb0u
- Duramax XP13000 Dual Fuel Generator - https://amzn.to/3Ci0LAf
- Westinghouse WGEN9500TFC Tri-Fuel Generator - https://amzn.to/4fpbveR