Electrical Plan

Objective  Choose an alternative electrical power system

Many "survivalists" are preaching that you should prepare for a total-long term (years) loss of the power grid.  While that potential exists, it is a very remote possibility.  Even with a full economic collapse, the federal government cannot maintain control without maintaining the electric and water infrastructures.  Historically, governments have always taken actions that ensures their control until the bitter end.  Given that bureaucracies and governments have an very strong survival instinct, expect a nationalization of the power and water systems because they know that without these systems, the government will cease to function.

Living with no electrical power can be very difficult for even just a few days.  Most people will not be able to create an off-the-grid power system for a long term (months) condition. Unless they use significantly less electricity than they do today.

For the large majority, having a temporary backup system to provide some power during an short term (2 weeks) outage is much more realistic option and time frame. Questions to consider:

A gas generator uses about 1 gallon of fuel per hour ... how much fuel can you store?

A solar/battery system for a normal full house load costs over $50,000... what is the smallest solar/battery system you need that you can afford?

What can you buy to replace traditionally powered items that can be run on rechargeable batteries or a 12 volt system? (i.e. TV, Radios, 12 volt DC powered refrigerator)

You may be surprised that you can get by with very little electrical power if you:

1.  Cook without 220volt AC electricity
2.  Heat without electricity
3.  Wash and dry clothes without electricity
4.  Heat water without electricity

That leaves a very low power generation need for:

1.  DC powered refrigeration
2.  Low voltage lighting
3.  DC powered security systems
4.  Small DC Powered fans to circulate air
5.  Cooking with a portable inductive cook top

OPTIONS/Alternatives - Choose how you will respond to loss of commercial electrical power

1.  Prepare for living without any electricity or,
2.  Have battery powered equipment for lighting, cell phone, etc, or
2.  Have equipment for providing some electricity - small solar units with battery storage, or
3.  Have fuel-limited full-power back up system - propane, gas or diesel generators, or
4.  Have a full power solar, wind or mini-hydro system (battery storage system required)

Cyclic Use of Backup Gas Power Systems
While having an alternate source of electrical power 24/7 is possible, the expense of installing a full, renewable energy system is beyond the reach of most people.   Consider how much power you actually need and for what purposes.  If you have a backup, gas or propane powered electrical generator you would need a large volume of fuel to run 24 hours a day for even ten days (one gallon per hour x 10 days).  Instead consider using your gas generator for only two to three hours a day to keep you refrigerator and freezer at optimal temperatures for food and medication preservation and for low power cooking.  Lighting can be provided by lanterns, rechargeable lighting equipment or candles.  Use an induction cook top to heat water for cooking and bathing. Using this method will also extend the life of a backup generator.  Installing additional insulation to the outside of freezers and refrigerators will greatly reduce the rise in internal temperatures when power is off.

 Home-Based Electrical Generation Systems

• SOLAR PV (photo-voltaic) - determine the minimum needed and then add 10% - consider getting several portable systems - redundancy is important.  DO NOT use these systems until you need them.  The batteries and electrical control systems will wear out at some point, so have the small solar systems ready but not worn-out when you really need them.
   

• WIND POWERED GENERATORS - very few places in U.S. are suited for this type of power generation.  You will need storage batteries the same as solar systems.  Moving parts means higher potential for wear & tear.
   

• MINI-HYDRO POWERED GENERATORS - a 365 day free flow of water down hill is needed for this system to generate even small amounts of power.  Battery storage system is required.
   

• GAS POWERED GENERATORS - Tri-fuel generators are best - Plan for about 1 gallon and hour fuel consumption.  Gas generators need maintenance (valve adjustments) after about 300 hours of operation.  Consider having two 3KW tri-fuel generators.  One on-line and one available when first generator needs repair. 3K won't run a central Heating & AC unit, but will provide most all of your 110 volt AC needs including refrigerator.
   

• SMALL SOLAR BATTERY CHARGERS - Consider having several to charge batteries.
   

• RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES - need power source such as solar chargers.  Have at least 4 sets of batteries for each battery powered piece of equipment.
   

• VEHICLE POWER - can be used to recharge batteries, but any high load system has potential to over-load and burnout your car's alternator.

DC Battery Banks
Alternate power systems, powered by solar collectors and wind generators, rely on power being stored in a battery bank.  Huge inefficiencies are encountered when converting DC power to AC.  An "inverter" is required.  A large advantage is gained when electrical loads are run directly from the battery bank without converting to AC.  This requires having special DC lighting and DC powered appliances.  While DC lighting and appliances are more costly, the benefit is being able to have a significantly smaller battery bank as well as a smaller solar collection system (less costly).  There will be some loads that cannot be converted, however using an single, smaller inverter (designed for use in vehicles) for each of these - such as cordless phone bases, TVs and microwaves - will prevent the failure of a single, full-system inverter from disabling your entire electrical system. 

 Lower Your Electrical Requirements

If you plan to install a home-based electrical power generation system, lowering the overall electrical load will allow you to have a smaller, less expensive system.

1.  Install low power fluorescent light bulbs or Low-voltage DC lights

2. Use propane to power your water heater, clothes dryer (heat) and refrigerator or have a 12 volt DC refrigerator ready to use.

3.  Exchange old appliances for energy efficient models

4.  Use inductive cook tops (portable and fixed)

5.  Use pressure-cookers to speed up cooking time to use less electrical energy - up to 90% less power or gas/wood fuel.

6.  To make solar power generation system electrical power use more efficient, use DC powered refrigerators and other appliances.  Also consider installing low-voltage DC lighting.

7.  Implement a non-electrical alternate heating and cooking plan.

 Home-based Electrical System Choices

Micro-Hydro Systems
There are currently many small micro-hydro systems on the market for home use.  If you have a good stream close by with even a moderate drop in elevation, this may be an excellent choice.

Solar Generation
Solar electrical systems are the most expensive systems but the have no moving parts, make no noise, are allowed by building codes nationwide and can be mounted on your roof or on a motor-swivel system that tracks the sun. Look for significant improvements and lower costs in the next few years as new materials technology is integrated into the production of solar PV cells.

Wind
If you live in an area with more than average windy days and an average annual wind speeds of at least 9 miles per hour you can realistically consider a wind power generator.  It will have to be mounted atop a tall tower that is not blocked from the wind by trees, hills or buildings. Possible problems include: Some jurisdictions, restrict the height of structures allowed in residential areas. Your neighbors might object to a wind machine that blocks their view, or they might be concerned about noise.

Gas Powered Generators
This category includes generators powered by gasoline, diesel, natural gas and propane. While appropriate for short term solutions, if the crisis devolves to a serious breakdown of the electrical power infrastructure, you will find it hard or impossible to replace your fuel supplies. Hydro-carbon fueled generators are good for short term events and will provide you some extra time to transition into a non-electric life style. Check local ordinances to know how much on-site fuel you can store. Consider purchasing a tri-fuel generator  which can use gasoline, propane or natural gas.

Fuel Load: A typical portable 8 kilowatt gas generator uses about a gallon an hour at 85% load. Propane fuel for your electrical generator is a good option for several reasons.  First, you store your own supply on-site (natural gas supplies could be interrupted) and propane is easier to store, cheaper and lasts forever.  Gasoline and diesel require treatment for long-term storage.

Extending Your Power
Being able to ration whatever emergency electrical power you have will be a great benefit.  Use compact fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent ones.  Your electrical lighting load will drop by about 60%. Unplug and open the breakers for all 220 volt loads like your water heater, clothes dryer, stove and oven. Evaluate carefully what electrical loads you really need.  If you are making long term preparations, consider installing low-voltage DC powered lighting and appliance throughout your home for a much lower electrical load.  Using DC powered appliances removes the need for an inefficient "inverter" between storage batteries and the appliances resulting in much less power drain on your battery bank..

Batteries
Powering your emergency radio, flashlights and other equipment is essential.  Be sure you keep a large rotating stock of all size batteries you need.  Not all batteries are created equal.  Don't rely on rechargeable batteries unless you have a way to recharge them during a power outage.  Routinely buy extra batteries every month and mark their date of purchase on the package.  Keep them in a cool dry place.  For convenience, buy electronic and equipment that requires AA batteries.  Having to keep up with several different sizes can be a drag.  Keep it simple.  Batteries like Duracell can last several years in their package