What’s Your Go-To Backup Power Source?

[BlueMarigold]

Curious what folks are relying on for backup power these days. I’ve been using a combination of solar panels and a Goal Zero battery bank, but I’m finding cloudy weeks can still leave me short. Has anyone had luck integrating wind turbines, or is propane still where it’s at for backup generators? Hoping to hear what setups are actually working long-term, especially for things like running freezers or pumps during extended outages.

 

[StarlitNavigator]

Propane’s been the most reliable for me over the years, especially when the weather’s just not cooperating for solar. I keep a dual-fuel generator (runs on propane or gasoline), and it’s handled freezers and sump pumps without issue during weeklong blackouts. Tried a small wind turbine once but it didn’t produce enough to matter in my area. Has anyone found a compact wind setup that actually pulls its weight?

 

[AquaFern1028]

Solar’s my main setup too, but honestly those long stretches of bad weather make it tricky if you don’t have a really big battery bank. My system does alright for lights, charging stuff, and basic water needs, but the freezer is where it gets dice

 

[GarnetDusk]

Solar’s great until you hit those cloudy stretches—same problem here. I use a small propane generator as backup, mostly to keep the freezer cold and run the well pump. Tried adding a budget wind turbine last year, but it barely made a dent unless we had nonstop storms, so not worth it in my area. Anyone else notice wind reliability really depends on local terrain?