Solar Technology for Preppers

By Dennis DeLaurier

Introduction

 Thinking Solar, are you? Well, that is a really good idea, as the world gets more and more crazy with each passing day. If you are going solar, then it is a good idea to do it correctly with all the safety and bells and whistles that go with this. This little book is a good start in your voyage into solar power especially for a prepper like you. Just go slow, get it all planned out on paper then execute your plan

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dennis DeLaurier
• Release date: Mar 20, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224284801

Book preview

Introduction

Thinking Solar, are you? Well, that is a really good idea, as the world gets more and more crazy with each passing day. If you are going solar, then it is a good idea to do it correctly with all the safety and bells and whistles that go with this. This little book is a good start in your voyage into solar power especially for a prepper like you. Just go slow, get it all planned out on paper then execute your plan.

Power Needs

To determine your power needs, make a list of essential devices and appliances you want to run during a power outage. Calculate the wattage to determine the size system you need. Focus on powering critical items like lights, refrigerators, communications devices, etc.

Estimate how many hours per day you will need to run each device. This will depend on your usage needs. Plan for critical items to run several hours per day at least.

Calculate the total watt-hours per day needed. Do this by multiplying the wattage of each device by the estimated number of hours per day you plan to use it. Add up the watt-hours for all devices to get your total daily power requirement.

Factor in future expansion. It's a good idea to add at least 20-30% to your total as a cushion for potential added loads.

Consider peak power needs. Your system may need to supply more watts at certain times when multiple devices are running simultaneously, especially motors or pumps that need burst power on startup.

Account for efficiency losses. Solar systems operate at around 75-85% efficiency. Factor this into your sizing calculations. Determine essential loads vs. nice-to-have loads.   Focus first on powering your critical loads. De-prioritize non-essentials if needed to right-size your system.

You must decide if you will be running DC appliances or using an inverter to generate AC for your appliances. As a prepper, you will need to keep only things necessary running if There is no AC power.

Essential items

Refrigerators and freezers – Unless these are small, consider DC

Lights -12V or AC LED Lights

Communications – Base Station or portable – Internet?  - Cell Phones

TVs, computers, and pumps – AC TV and Computers – DC Pumps

Power