What's an alternative to a generator?

Anita Polhemus
by Anita Polhemus
  4 answers
  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Oct 16, 2018

    A generator is about the only thing that could provide you the electricity to keep some things running in a situation where you don't have electricity. How big the output of the generator is will allow you to run appliances and perhaps the furnace. One fall back in the early nineties we had an ice storm that took out the electric. We hooked up the generator from our RV to run the furnace, fridge, freezer and an outlet to provide one light and allow the kids to play Nintendo until the electricity was restored.

  • Mogie Mogie on Oct 16, 2018

    A power pack - a unit for converting a power supply (as from a battery or household electrical circuit) to a voltage suitable for an electronic device. Amazon.com and Walmart among many many others carry these.



  • If you decide to go with solar power panels on your roof, for an extra charge you can install a back up system where you flip a switch and maintain your entire household for several days. One of my ranch neighbors did this, but over a period of several years because it is not a cheap endeavor. A portable generator is a few hundred dollars and for most people, a viable option. They do have whole house generators too, yet again, an investment. I have a small portable generator that will run my refrigerators and a lamp or tv or outlet to charge your cell phone or tablet.


    Or have a hand crank or solar radio or lots and lots of batteries for camping type lanterns.


    What are your needs? I live in earthquake country and also high fire danger area wherein the power company will cut all power to certain areas during high winds to avoid a possible wildfire. I have a bit of everything so that I am prepared for any power outage, no water, gas, etc.

  • Siropav Siropav on Oct 17, 2018

    When SHTF and there is no electricity, no gas, no batteries, etc. You will have to have a solar panel and battery storage system to provide power for your house. Solar Panels to inverter to battery storage is an off-the-grid system that NO solar co. will build for you (I've tried). But instructions on the Internet will help you with the build. Depends on wattage you need on the panels and storage space you have available for batteries. Good luck it will be expensive and will take awhile, but it's the only way to be fully independent in obtaining power in the future.