The Importance of Solar Energy When the Grid is down
It is axiomatic that we all take the blessing of electricity for granted. The experiences of those impacted by the recent storms and flooding underline the difficulties and danger a loss of electricity brings. It seems a minor consideration at first, but we have become so dependent on electric-powered appliances that the loss of power can be terrifying to many of us (especially if it will take a long period of time before it can be restored).
The dry cell battery is a trusted friend in times of emergencies. For a few, generators are short term saviors. Unfortunately, batteries lose their charge and generators run out of gas. Within the last decade, advances in solar power technology have changed the emergency preparedness power game.
There are two basic categories of solar power equipment when it comes to disaster and emergency preparedness. The first category is the power panels that use solar energy to power or recharge traditional electrical devices, such as cell phones, flashlights, and the like. The second category is solar powered devices that function on solar power.
Solar Collectors
There are an increasing number of companies that provide portable solar panels.
Solar-Powered Gadget # 1 : Voltaic Backpack by Innergy
The Voltaic Backpack by Innergy is a gadget to power your electronic gadgets. Don't wait for an emergency. You can use this baby for camping or at the beach. High efficiency solar panels are charged to 4,400mAh at 3.6 volts Li-Ion battery pack with 3 voltage settings. Price: $249
Solar-Powered Gadget # 2: Goal Zero Yeti 1250 Solar Generator Kit
This device gets the job done. It can backup critical appliances like refrigerators and freezers. It boasts of silent power generation and is safe to operate indoors. It can go where ever you need to go. Price: $1,995
Solar Powered Devices
Many new devices are made to function as standalone rechargeable devices. They are self-contained with their own solar chargers.
Solar Powered Gadget # 3: Waterproof Solar Flashlight LL Bean
A state-of-the-art solar panel continuously charges a built-in battery on this flashlight. It can recharge from a standard lamp. The battery holds a charge for up to 3 years. It is waterproof to 80 feet and floats in water. Price: $24.95
Solar-Powered Gadget # 4: Rothco Solar Flashlight with Radio Camping Survival.com
The Rothco is a 5 LED solar flashlight with cranking feature. It has an AM/FM radio powered by a nickel-cadium battery. An innovative crank feature produces 25 minutes of flashlight use from one minute of cranking (120 Times/1 Minute). It also has a USB connection for charging. Price: $37.95
Solar-Powered Gadget #5: Global Sun Solar Oven
This oven is a different approach to using solar power. It can cook or dehydrate foods. It has a built in thermometer and attached one piece collapsible reflectors. Price: $295
This selection of solar-powered emergency gears just keeps on getting better. They are more powerful, consume less power and are reliable in times of various types of calamities or disasters. If you haven’t started adding them in your emergency preparedness kit, then now is the best time to do it.
About the Guest
Author
Agnes Jimenez is a
professional blogger and writer. She writes for many online establishments and
supports those ones that offer practical lifestyles to consumers. As a frugal living and emergency preparedness
advocate, she recommends FoodInsurance.com for families who are looking for high
quality food storage and emergency kit supplies. You may connect with Food Insurance in Facebook.
Experiencing brownouts isn't a good scenario. Thank you for enumerating the other means of electricity and their respective prices. It really helps me a lot of what solar devices is the best to purchase.
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