Off-Grid Power Options: A Video Discussing Why A Power Plan Is A Good Idea, The Pros & Cons Of Petrol & Solar Based Mains Power Systems And A Demonstration Of Our Own Australian Setup.
Hello again to my prepping Steemit friends! My recent video on prepping for food, water & fuel needs was so popular and helpful for people that I've decided to keep the content coming and today recorded a video on the topic of off-grid power options.
We did a lot of research when buying our setup and have had many occasions to use it both to cover legitimate power outages and for convenience when out of the house.
Power is everything when it comes to what makes us feel "normal". Consider the impact of not having lighting at night or not being able to charge your mobile phone or doing without food refrigeration, music, TV, computers, internet and on rural properties the implications of not being able to pump water, have showers or flush toilets due to tank setups.
Considering off-grid power options is a big step towards safeguarding your lifestyle and basic amenities.
It can be a bit overwhelming for some so I've broken down a number of considerations including cost, features & options, efficiency, power, reliability, portability, noise & discretion, sustainability & renewability and indoor use & pollution.
We're by no means big time off-grid homesteaders but are probably more prepared than most for extended disruptions or inconveniences and with some power discipline, conservation and prioritising, the setup I walk through in this video would see us fairly capable of brushing off most power related dramas.
Constructive comments, suggestions and discussions very welcome.
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Wow didn't realize those pump that much power out. Need to consider those for my miners
A perfect indoor UPS solution for miners to maximise uptime @dethie, let me know how you get on.
Will do, be a while before I can afford the full set up but at least I know the direction I need to go :)
That's right @dethie. Preparedness is all about incremental improvements, buying, planting, storing little bits at a time so no problem with getting the gear as budget allows. With each step you're just that bit more independent
All the best to you.
Hi @nolnocluap, thanks for this post. I'm just starting to venture into the world of PV. We haven't got as much sun in Wales, UK as you have in Australia :-)
But I do like these GoalZero units. I've found the UK supplier of them now. I think this is the unit you have :
https://www.solarpowersupply.co.uk/product-groups/solar-generators/goal-zero-yeti-1250-solar-generator
There is now a 1400W lithium battery version here as well :
https://www.solarpowersupply.co.uk/product-groups/solar-generators/goal-zero-yeti-1400-lithium-solar-generator
That's lighter but a fair bit more expensive though.
Good spot. That is just the generator though. Do you have the panels from a UK supplier? Would be interesting to cost a complete set up.
Hi @grizgal, I am just in the process of buying some PV panels. I was going to buy them from Bimble Solar (bimblesolar.com) as they were taking BitCoin for payment - but they have just stopped :-(
Otherwise I will use Wind and Sun (www.windandsun.co.uk).
Are you in the UK?
Yes I'm in the UK. We are moving house shortly and I like the idea of PV panels and something like a Tesla power wall, but its a bit pricy!
Yes cost is the big issue ! Maybe if we get steeming well we'll be able to get steem powered PV :-)
I am currently hoping my Steeming will pay (or contribute) to my new hobby of photography! Having seen some of the more popular blogs it is obvious you can make good money from this, if you put in the time, so maybe its an option. Also the savings from solar power, plus feed in tariffs cant hurt. Not sure what a realistic estimate on break even time is these days.
Good luck with the photography.
Many thanks.
Hi @grizgal,
Those power walls do look impressive. You'd want to have a fair idea that you'll be staying in the property for enough time to warrant the cost.
Does the leasehold property model in the UK impact this decision,?
I don't buy leasehold. Any property I buy has to be freehold. I'm not sure about the leasehold implications but I think most leaseholds needs to have 80 years to run to get a mortgage etc, so I don't see a major impact.
Hi @pennsif thanks for commenting. That's true about the environment is a big consideration too from the availability of sunlight to whether you even have a back yard to run a unit outdoors.
Those links aren't working on my phone at the moment but from the look of the address you're right. I've got the yeti1250. The Li battery is an interesting development. Lead acid batteries don't like being discharged which is why goal zero recommend keeping these units always "topped up" and the ability to replace the battery was also important for me. Trade off as you say is the cost and weight.
If be interested in following what you end up getting to suit your circumstances. Thanks again!
Hi @nolnocluap, I'll be posting on my Pennsif's Progress diary sometime later this week more about my PV ideas and options. Keep an eye on that for more developments. This is yesterday's post for reference :
https://steemit.com/homesteading/@pennsif/pennsif-s-progress-the-days-are-numbered-day-999-life-in-the-trenches
Hey @pennsif. Was just browsing your posts earlier. Thanks will keep an eye out 😊
Hey buddy.
Its a great idea to prep for a power outage.
Im in Sydney , I had my mate who's a leko over the other day doing some work while downing a case lol he only got nipped twice by the working with live current. He said watch out for the smart meters. They are coming around without permission and replacing the old meters with smart meters. He recons they arnt allowed to do it without permission but once fitted you cant go back. He said drill a hole in the board and put a chain on it and a sign inside the box saying do not alter this board. Apparently you own the board and they have not right to touch it if you specify dont touch it.
He also want to hook me up with a system that legally feeds the grid and turns the meter backward , but he was well pissed by then and not sure it would be that legal.
Take care , keep prepping
Hey, Im in vic and have been through this smart meter bs. Cut a window in the door of the meter box and glue a perspex window in. Lock the box and print the do not install sign from "no smart meters' and stick it on the front.
They will try and intimidate you but eventually they will give up. I also wrote letters to the ceo at sp ausnet. They eventually put us on the do not install list.
The power company is under instruction to make their best effort to get them installed, but it is only a "code"that THEY have to follow. Not us. We just have to make it accessible, and mine is, they dont need to open the box.
Good on you.
Once you have one your stuffed.
Hi @marky, I can tell you're Aussie from the term "leko" 😂 I would have also accepted "sparky".
Rules may differ between states but I'd thought that the meter box was required to be unobstructed.
Yes it has to be unobstructed for the meter reader to open it . But inside usually has a timber board on a hindge that when pulled gains access to the rear of the board. You can lock shut that hindged board so no one can gain access to the rear of the board in order to change the meter. Also a sign instructing no unathorised work to be done without owners permission
Ah got ya. Thanks for the tip 👍
Good post
Thanks @sologimi. Do you do similar prepping?
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I think many people need this - it's a wonderful thing, I myself lived in the taiga for a while and such a device would very much help
The more people who buy products like this, the more R&D that will go into it and the better the prices will become. Certainly when you need some power, you're very thankful that you've put backup measures in place. Thanks for the comment!