Priorities? (prepping and what to buy next?)

[Acer-m14]

when i was teen my dad had some papers on using a car alternator and a lawn mower gas motor ..
was called a PEPP .. portable electric power plant .. ..

it would produce 120 volts DC from a auto alternator .. use it to run toaster ovens and such . any heating element ..

best i could find so far about its this vid .. and this one makes AC i think .. still watching it

Lightbulbs and heating elements don't care if AC or DC .. to get the AC he had to bypass the diodes in the Alt ..

the papers my dad had were a lot simpler then what this guy did to get AC

 

[GTN]

I'm personally looking into a jackery 550 or 880 setup

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Jackery-Jackery-Solar-Generator-550W-Portable-Power-Station-and-Solar-Saga-100W/5005381567

This thread has me thinking I need to diversify where my money is going more than I am right now.

Gas generators are nice and useful. I see them as the preferred option in a short term power failures. But once gas becomes too expensive or unavailable.... Then a solar generator has the advantage.

The ability to make power and own a solar generator power system now is pretty useless as an un needed luxury unless I'm going camping. But in the event of a long power outage it would literally be worth it's weight in gold to be able to have electricity and not need gas or fuel. For a small fridge for food, medicine, insulin, recharge baofeng batteries, recharge AA and AAA batteries, run radios, it could facilitate communication and news. Work on climate control run a fan in the heat, play music. Anything from essentials, recharge electronic devices that you have a virtual prepper library and internet resources, communications to morale for your kids to charge a tablet.

The options are only limited by your imagination

Thanks for this idea. I didn’t know it was a thing. For 160 more you can get 1000w model

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Jackery-Jackery-Explorer-1000-Outdoor-Portable-Generator-1002Wh-Solar-Generator-with-AC-Outlet-for-RV-VAN-Camping-Travel-and-Emergency-Use/5001885531

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

Thanks for this idea. I didn’t know it was a thing. For 100 more you can get 1000w model

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Jackery-Jackery-Explorer-1000-Outdoor-Portable-Generator-1002Wh-Solar-Generator-with-AC-Outlet-for-RV-VAN-Camping-Travel-and-Emergency-Use/5001885531

Correct but that doesn't come with solar panels. And to feed the 1000w power generator you'll need double the solar panels you would for the 500 watt model.

You'll be needing something like 2 separate 100w panels that jackery sells for 299 each.

So the cost adds up quickly when you take everything into consideration.

There are other routes to take and other choices for panels but the simplest "plug and play" method is to stay in the same brand and everything should be compatible.

There might be better choices for the money but jackery is a well known above average brand. It's the "Glock" of solar generator systems. You might be paying more for something but you know it's manufactured well and has a track record and a manufacturer that stands behind it.


Here is the 880 watt system with 2 panels. Price goes up quickly

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Jackery-Jackery-Solar-Generator-880W-Portable-Power-Station-and-2-Units-Solar-Saga-100W-Plus-Jackery-Solar-Power-Cable/5005381591

Disclaimer. I'm only linking Lowes because I get 10% off there and have a gift card so that's why I'm looking there. Amazon has a lot of choices too

 

[GOPerfect]

Okay, great...

Now you really have me thinking that I need this system. I am going to dig into this a bit more. I like the following kit, seems to have everything.

Jackery Solar Generator 1500

Jackery Solar Generator 1500 converts sun rays into portable power for home & outdoor use. It has 3 customized bundles to power all scenarios. Best for performance.

www.jackery.com

 

[Vapor]

The jackery is cool, but very very expensive.

You can get some regular panels and regular car batteries for way less and get more output.

 

[GOPerfect]

The jackery is cool, but very very expensive.

You can get some regular panels and regular car batteries for way less and get more output.

I am not very smart. Buying a system would work better for me. Nice little package and no worries.

 

[GTN]

Correct but that doesn't come with solar panels. And to feed the 1000w power generator you'll need double the solar panels you would for the 500 watt model.

You'll be needing something like 2 separate 100w panels that jackery sells for 299 each.

So the cost adds up quickly when you take everything into consideration.

There are other routes to take and other choices for panels but the simplest "plug and play" method is to stay in the same brand and everything should be compatible.

There might be better choices for the money but jackery is a well known above average brand. It's the "Glock" of solar generator systems. You might be paying more for something but you know it's manufactured well and has a track record and a manufacturer that stands behind it.


Here is the 880 watt system with 2 panels. Price goes up quickly

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Jackery-Jackery-Solar-Generator-880W-Portable-Power-Station-and-2-Units-Solar-Saga-100W-Plus-Jackery-Solar-Power-Cable/5005381591

Disclaimer. I'm only linking Lowes because I get 10% off there and have a gift card so that's why I'm looking there. Amazon has a lot of choices too

Whoops I didn’t notice it had no panels.
thanks

 

[96coal449]

Do not forget, with solar you need the sun. Last winter was called a dark winter.
I remember zero sunny days.

 

[Vapor]

Do not forget, with solar you need the sun. Last winter was called a dark winter.
I remember zero sunny days.

This is true. I'll have to ask my brother. He has a big system. Seems like he said he still got decent draw last winter.

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

Do not forget, with solar you need the sun. Last winter was called a dark winter.
I remember zero sunny days.

I think there are certain types of panels that are more effecient at certain types of sun/weather. I'm still learning.

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

I am not very smart. Buying a system would work better for me. Nice little package and no worries.

@Vapor is right. If you build your own setup you can get more watts per $, but like yourself I would probably end up making mistakes or decisions I would regret and in the end I would spend more than the jackery type setup cost in the first place.

A huge advantage of those systems is they are light and very easily transported. Very easy to bug out, take down and set up, take camping etc.. that alone is of value and I'm factoring that into the cost.

Lots of people apparently use these types of systems for off grid van camping.

 

[GTN]

I went to the Jackery site and they sell the 500w kit for 799 and there is that signup now for news and get up to $200 off. It’s probably 200 off their biggest kit and 50 off a smaller one.

edit: I signed up to see what I’d get. $100 off any order over 750

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

I went to the Jackery site and they sell the 500w kit for 799 and there is that signup now for news and get up to $200 off. It’s probably 200 off their biggest kit and 50 off a smaller one.

edit: I signed up to see what I’d get. $100 off any order over 750

I did the same. Here are the coupon codes good for 7days

HELLOFRRFP ($10 Off Any Order)
HELLORLIFG ( $20 Off Orders Over $250)
HELLOVHJ7X ( $30 Off Orders Over $350)
HELLOUSPX8 ( $50 Off Orders Over $450)
HELLOEZXT1 ( $100 Off Orders Over $750)
HELLOEON77 ( $200 Off Orders Over $2000)

 

[GTN]

Now the big decision
Spend 756 including taxes and free shipping???

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

If you're worried about EMPs and CMEs you can store and protect these reasonably easily. They aren't very big and they store nicely. Just something to consider if this is something you think about.



I also like the idea of getting recharge batteries. This type of setup can give you indefinite AA, C, AAA recharges for all your devices and coms

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

If you or anyone you know or care about is insulin dependent this might be a solution to preserving your insulin in a long grid down.

Get a very small micro fridge (they are sub 100$) and throw it in a faraday box with your solar generator

Amazon.com

If you "need" it, it would be worth it's weight in gold.

Just thinking of ideas....

 

[Vapor]

Hmm, the jackery style system is attractive for the on the go home buyer. We rent this house, not owned. I want to be able to take whatever system I have with us someday.

 

[Vapor]

So in theory, we can get the jackery solar generator, and just get additional power banks correct?

So let's say I go 500w system. I can have the panels, then two 500w packs. I can swap then out every 7 hours or so

 

[GOPerfect]

So in theory, we can get the jackery solar generator, and just get additional power banks correct?

So let's say I go 500w system. I can have the panels, then two 500w packs. I can swap then out every 7 hours or so

I have decided, I am going to grab this one up.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000

The Solar Generator 1000 converts sun rays into portable power for home & outdoor use. It consists of Explorer 1000 + 2 x SolarSaga 100W. Ideal for versatility.

www.jackery.com

 

[GOPerfect]

I was looking at the Goal zero as well. They have a few better options, but their systems are quite heavy. Twice the weight. A bit more money as well.

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

I was looking at the Goal zero as well. They have a few better options, but their systems are quite heavy. Twice the weight. A bit more money as well.

Check out bluetti as well


They have interesting choices and newer liFePo (lithium iron phosphate) battery technology it's supposed to be cutting edge.

From my research goal zero was the first mainstream system portable system but jackery and bluetti are newer, cheaper and better features. Or at least that's what YouTube tells me...

 

[Vapor]

I have decided, I am going to grab this one up.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000

The Solar Generator 1000 converts sun rays into portable power for home & outdoor use. It consists of Explorer 1000 + 2 x SolarSaga 100W. Ideal for versatility.

www.jackery.com

I'm thinking either the 1000 or 500.

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

I'm thinking either the 1000 or 500.

I would like the 1000 but that's out of range for now. The 500 is doable though.

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

I'm still researching before I buy.

These ecoflows seem like good options too

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09HGYTDTZ/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=A2G2DKD53WX1O2&psc=1

the ecoflows charge quicker but rundown faster. They have lower watt-hour ratings.

And there are the bluetti eb55 and eb70

Amazon.com

 

[Vapor]

This looked good too.

BLUETTI EB55 + 1*PV120 | Solar Generator Kit

This BLUETTI solar generator kit includes: EB55 portable power station, and 1*PV120 portable solar panel.

www.bluettipower.com

I'm thinking not to run our main fridge, but Mayne run one of our dorm sized ones. That would still give us some meat, milk, etc.

Charge the various lanterns and lights too.

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

This looked good too.

BLUETTI EB55 + 1*PV120 | Solar Generator Kit

This BLUETTI solar generator kit includes: EB55 portable power station, and 1*PV120 portable solar panel.

www.bluettipower.com

I'm thinking not to run our main fridge, but Mayne run one of our dorm sized ones. That would still give us some meat, milk, etc.

Charge the various lanterns and lights too.

Yes the eb55 should be able to run a mini or dorm fridge.

I'm thinking it's roughly equivalent to the jackery500.

 

[Vapor]

Yes the eb55 should be able to run a mini or dorm fridge.

I'm thinking it's roughly equivalent to the jackery500.

I like both, almost leaning towards the blue.


Being able to change this mamma jamma would be nice too. Only a 14" bar but still way less work than a freaking bow saw.

 

[GTN]

I have decided, I am going to grab this one up.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000

The Solar Generator 1000 converts sun rays into portable power for home & outdoor use. It consists of Explorer 1000 + 2 x SolarSaga 100W. Ideal for versatility.

www.jackery.com

Did you signup for more info and get $100 off?

 

[GOPerfect]

Did you signup for more info and get $100 off?

Not yet, I will though. I reached out to them to see if I can get a better deal. Never know, sometimes my begging works.

 

[Vapor]

Not yet, I will though. I reached out to them to see if I can get a better deal. Never know, sometimes my begging works.

The blue is also offering $200 off.

I'm excited now. I want an m1a, but I just can't justify it with the cost and ammo shortage. Something like solar will matter wa more given what I already have.


I keep putting off night vision. I know that will be a huge investment. Probably $1500 to get anything meaningful at the very least.