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.