Can Portable Solar Power Be the Blackout Solution?
Power outages can occur for a number of reasons. Recently, record heat waves have increased electricity demands, overloading the power grid infrastructure in several states such as California, Texas, New York, and others. Extreme weather, accidents, or animal interference can create this loss. Although portable solar power is available, thousands of people are still left in the dark for days or weeks at a time. Smart survivalists need to be prepared when the grid goes out.
Electricity is not only important for providing light to see in the dark but is a precious commodity for life-saving equipment, cooling and heating homes and businesses, and refrigerating food. Those relying on life-saving medical equipment such as oxygen pumps and dialysis, would not survive without the use of electrical power. Electricity keeps our food refrigerated and fresh, and heats and cools our homes. Fortunately, we have Portable Solar Power.
Portable Solar Power is Not Complicated
Solar power is obtained by harnessing the sun's natural energy. This energy passes through a solar panel and into an inverter. The inverter changes the direct current (DC) of the sun into alternating current (AC), which is the type of electricity we use in our homes. (My AC🗲DC rock fans may find this interesting!) This energy is stored in a lithium-ion battery with the use of a controller. The controller regulates how much energy is stored in the battery to prevent it from overcharging. A 12-Volt Lithium-ion battery is the most adaptable battery to store this kind of energy. By using various adaptors, you can connect panels together to harness even more power. This is solar power in a nutshell.
Obsidian 45W Solar Panel Dometic PLB40 Charging Kit
Going Green
After much research, I have found that Portable Solar Power is the most user-friendly, adaptable and cost-effective alternative for harnessing energy from natural resources. By using solar power, you can take part in conserving energy and help the planet at the same time. Three Portable Solar Power items that I have found super valuable in this process include a portable solar panel, a portable solar power station, and Y-adaptors.
Many Types of Solar Panels
There are so many solar panels out there, but the most well-made panels are the Zamp Solar® brand, specifically the Obsidian® Series. I chose this brand specifically because these panels are handcrafted to be lighter, slimmer, and more durable than any other panel on the market. They have excellent reviews, are manufactured in the USA and also have a 25-year output warranty.
Zamp Solar ZXD Mini Power Station with 60Ah Lithium Battery
Solar power stations like the ZXD 120Ah Mid Power Station include a Lithium-ion battery, a charge controller and an inverter all in one. I like this particular all-inclusive power station because it is Bluetooth enabled, ventilated and has a lockable lid with two handles so you can transport it easily.
Many people like RVing with solar so that they can camp anywhere. I would love to live off-grid using solar energy someday. If you use solar adaptors such as ATP Female to ATP Male Y-connectors, solar panels can be attached to each other making it possible for unlimited solar power harnessing. This accessory will help create solar power for both glamping on the go or for a permanent residence.
Obsidian Parallel ATP Female to ATP Male Y Adaptor
Save Money from Greedy Power Companies
Using Portable Solar Power can save you thousands in government energy costs. The solar electricity stored can be connected to a utility meter, crediting your bill from power surplus generation or can be used by itself for off-grid living (my favorite). With the rising price of electricity, we all could benefit from portable solar power.
If you are like me and want to be prepared for power outages or other emergencies, check out some of my other blogs for survival safety.