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Energy: Household Plan


Step 1. Analyze your energy needs. You can test what they are by turning off your breakers one night to experience a power outage. Take note of the things you miss the most: heat, the fridge, lights, medical devices, your electric stove or microwave, the ability to charge your devices?


Step 2. Invest in some technology to power up your life:


  • Generator and fuel. Remember that fuel doesn’t keep forever so you will need to update your supply regularly. If you have a fuel-powered generator, you need a concrete pier and proper hookup for it.

  • Propane

  • Outdoor grill or camp stove (for outside use only)

  • Chargers for phone, computer, satellite phones, handheld radios (walkie talkies), flashlights. Keep them fully charged at all times. 

  • A solar-charged portable generator with portable solar panels. Depending on the size and power of the device, these can charge up your computers or keep a fridge or electric heater operational for a while before they need to be recharged again. If you get a pair of devices, you can use one while you recharge the other. Manufacturers include Jackery, EcoFlow, Anker, and Bluetti.

  • A solar-charged weather radio

  • Battery-powered devices such as headlamps and flashlights and backup batteries

  • Portable solar power bank. Smaller than a generator, these have enough power to charge up multiple devices at once. 

  • Solar lanterns. Luminaid makes inflatable solar lanterns that can charge your phone and light up a room.

  • Portable ceramic heaters that you can recharge with your mini generator.

  • Portable fans that you can recharge with your mini generator.

  • A power inverter so you can convert the DC charge from solar panels or from a vehicle battery to the AC charge needed in your home and for most appliances.

  • “Cigarette plug” connectors and cords so you can plug your inverter in your vehicle.


Step 3. Make sure your household members know how to set up your solar panels and recharge devices. Make sure your household members know hot cycle your generator on and off and how to use it most effectively, such as by recharging smaller power banks.


Step 4. Learn how to turn off your utilities in an emergency.


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