What’s Your Go-To Backup Power Solution?

[BlueMarigold]

When the grid goes down, what’s been the most reliable backup power source for folks here? I’ve tried solar generators and a small propane setup—solar’s great until those long cloudy stretches hit. Curious if anyone’s using wind turbines or something offbeat that doesn’t take a ton of ongoing maintenance. Also wondering about battery banks that hold up well for running essentials (not just phones). Any recommendations?

 

[ChrysanthiDream]

Those portable lithium battery banks have been a game changer for me—quiet, barely need any maintenance, and you can recharge them from solar when you get the sun back. They’ll run my fridge for a while, and I’ve powered a few lights and medical equipment in a pinch. Tried wind a long time ago, but found it finicky (and louder than I expected). Has anyone found a wind setup that doesn’t need a lot of fiddling?

 

[GarnetDusk]

Solar’s been my mainstay for years, but you’re right—when the clouds settle in for days, those panels just can’t keep up. I’ve supplemented with a dual-fuel generator (propane/gasoline), but really only fire it up for short bursts since fuel storage is its own headache. Wind always tempted me, but honestly, most small turbines need more babying than I’ve got patience for, plus the noise is a real annoyance when you’re trying to enjoy nature.

I do keep a hefty battery bank (LiFePO4) topped up—it’ll keep my essentials like lights, radio, and the small chest

 

[MarigoldBreeze]

Those lithium banks really are a lifesaver, especially being able to top them off with solar when the sun finally comes back. I’ve had similar luck keeping medical devices running during outages—quiet, zero fumes, and no fussing with fuel. Wind never worked well for me either, always felt like I was babysitting that

 

[MeadowWhisperer]

Running a LiFePO4 battery bank here too—have to say, it’s been the least fussy of anything I’ve tried. I keep it hooked up to a small solar array, just enough to trickle charge so I’m not caught flat during a stretch of clouds. Those dual-fuel generators are handy for emergencies, but I agree, fuel storage is a pain. Anyone had luck using hand-crank generators for anything beyond small devices, or are they mostly novelty?

 

[MeadowWhisperer]

When the grid goes down, what’s been the most reliable backup power source for folks here?

I’ve found battery banks paired with solar panels to be the most reliable for me—quiet, low maintenance, and no worrying about storing fuel or fumes when you’re stuck indoors for days. Wind never quite lived up to the promise, either.

 

[AquaFern1028]

Also found wind setups too much trouble for the payoff—never quiet, always something to fiddle with. Have you tried charging your battery banks with anything besides solar when it’s cloudy?

 

[MeadowWhisperer]

I’ve supplemented with a dual-fuel generator (propane/gasoline), but really only fire it up for short bursts since fuel storage is its own headache.

That fuel storage dilemma is exactly why I lean toward solar and batteries for most things nowadays—less upkeep, and I don’t have to worry about gas going bad in the shed.

 

[BlueMarigold]

Storing fuel always turned into way more hassle than I bargained for, not to mention the occasional whiff of fumes sneaking into the house. The battery and solar combo has been far less stressful, even if it means stretching how I use power on cloudy stretches. I haven’t found a great way to quickly charge up the bank without sun, though—just takes patience. Has anyone messed with running a generator just long enough to top off a battery bank, or does that just waste fuel?

 

[CrimsonWren145]

I’ve supplemented with a dual-fuel generator (propane/gasoline), but really only fire it up for short bursts since fuel storage is its own headache.
That fuel storage dilemma is exactly why I lean toward solar and batteries for most things nowadays—less upkeep, and I don’t have to worry about gas going bad in the shed.

Completely agree about the peace of mind with solar and batteries—less fussing with fuel, and they just sit ready. Still, I do miss the reassurance of a generator backup for those really stubborn stretches of bad weather!

 

[BlueSkyWanderer]

Quiet power’s been so important for me too—especially having dealt with family members needing medical devices. That peace of mind, not having to fuss with fumes or worry about running out of fuel, really does make a difference during long outages. I do find you have to be pretty mindful with what you’re running, but if you’re careful (and a bit old-fashioned with the fridge and lights), those LiFePO4 banks last longer than I expected.

I haven’t bothered with wind for a while now. Too much maintenance, and honestly, I never quite trusted leaving it running all night when the weather gets unpredictable. Solar plus battery’s been the least stressful by far, even with the occasional cloudy stretch.

During one winter

 

[BlueMarigold]

Running the generator just long enough to top off a battery bank actually works pretty well, so long as you’re careful not to let the batteries drain too far down—saves fuel compared to powering things directly. I’ve done it during extra long cloudy spells and it’s a relief to have