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As most of you know light is a force multiplier. Without lights, we are back in the pre-1900's. After TSHTF people will have batteries to last, I would say, maybe 2 weeks. After that it will be candles, oil lamps and torches. I cannot imagine how many fires there will be. Think of your flashlight as a force mulitplier. If you can light them up at a distance, you have the advantage. Also, if you have some sort of light inside your dwelling (remember light disipline) your family will have the sense of well being. Well, I told myself that this would be the year that I would not allow my family to be without lights/power. It took me longer than I had thought to put things together due to an injury and other commitments, but I now have at least the beginnings.
Now it isn't much, but it will allow me the basics...light at nite inside the dwelling, rechargeable batteries, some power to recharge batteries, computers and HAM/radios, power to run a fan or two at night to be somewhat comfortable while sleeping.
The system:
45 watt solar panel system from Harbor Freight
12v battery (will be looking at a marine grade battery soon)
750 watt inverter
Accumanager 20 battery charger - uses AC or DC
Tenergy Low Self Discharge batteries in AA, AAA, C and D
12v CR123 battery charger and rechargeable batteries.
I also used an old pressure washer cart that the pressure washer went belly up a couple years ago. I guess you could say I made myself a solar generator of sorts. When not in use, it can be stored in the shed. I plan on using it a few times per month to keep the battery charged. I can also take it places if I need to. I still need to make a box for the charge controller and the inverter, but that will come soon.
The funny thing is that when I told my wife that I now have a solar sytem that is working she promptly quipped back, "wow, so you and God now both have working solar systems". Smart one she is....but I quckly replied "Pluto was kicked out of the planet group so I felt he needed a home".
Anyway here are some pics.
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Now it isn't much, but it will allow me the basics...light at nite inside the dwelling, rechargeable batteries, some power to recharge batteries, computers and HAM/radios, power to run a fan or two at night to be somewhat comfortable while sleeping.
The system:
45 watt solar panel system from Harbor Freight
12v battery (will be looking at a marine grade battery soon)
750 watt inverter
Accumanager 20 battery charger - uses AC or DC
Tenergy Low Self Discharge batteries in AA, AAA, C and D
12v CR123 battery charger and rechargeable batteries.
I also used an old pressure washer cart that the pressure washer went belly up a couple years ago. I guess you could say I made myself a solar generator of sorts. When not in use, it can be stored in the shed. I plan on using it a few times per month to keep the battery charged. I can also take it places if I need to. I still need to make a box for the charge controller and the inverter, but that will come soon.
The funny thing is that when I told my wife that I now have a solar sytem that is working she promptly quipped back, "wow, so you and God now both have working solar systems". Smart one she is....but I quckly replied "Pluto was kicked out of the planet group so I felt he needed a home".
Anyway here are some pics.
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