Basic portable power you might consider.

[Wulf202]

Being an apartment dweller I don't have room for the big cool systems. You can build a very nice portable system and there's great tutorials for that, however not everyone has that ability and need, or cash.

If you buy this
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&productId=202072374&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&ci_sku=202072374&ci_src=14110944&cm_mmc=shopping-_-googlebase-_-D25X-_-202072374&locStoreNum=1515

You get a small tire inflater, 400w invertor, jumper box, and a led light. You can charge it from your car or from the wall.

If you add this
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202218716/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

You can charge it while it sits in the safety of your garage or in the back of you vehicle not to mention if the power goes out.


For $125 you get quite a bit of versatility.

Any thoughts?

[gnihcraes]

400 w inverter isn't much power. I've had issues with battery powered inverters, the battery doesn't supply enough voltage to activate the inverter. 12-13.8 volts. the inverter I have only works if the voltage supplied is 13.8 and great, and I must run the vehicle to get it to work.

The solar panel would be good to keep the battery alive though, but will take a long time to recharge if the battery is really drained.

I made my own similar setup for Ham Radio use and emergency situations, but the battery always was dead or going bad when I needed to use it. The cost to replace it was significant and I never needed to use it. So I gave up on that item.

All that said, it might be good for the small dwelling use when there isn't much room for generators and similar items.

[ShooterJM]

Being an apartment dweller I don't have room for the big cool systems. You can build a very nice portable system and there's great tutorials for that, however not everyone has that ability and need, or cash.

If you buy this
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&productId=202072374&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&ci_sku=202072374&ci_src=14110944&cm_mmc=shopping-_-googlebase-_-D25X-_-202072374&locStoreNum=1515

You get a small tire inflater, 400w invertor, jumper box, and a led light. You can charge it from your car or from the wall.

If you add this
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202218716/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

You can charge it while it sits in the safety of your garage or in the back of you vehicle not to mention if the power goes out.


For $125 you get quite a bit of versatility.

Any thoughts?

Looks pretty cool. They also have a charge controller on there for pretty cheap.

[Wally]

I like this idea... Thanks..

Still working on the H2O..

[Wulf202]

400 w inverter isn't much power. I've had issues with battery powered inverters, the battery doesn't supply enough voltage to activate the inverter. 12-13.8 volts. the inverter I have only works if the voltage supplied is 13.8 and great, and I must run the vehicle to get it to work.

The solar panel would be good to keep the battery alive though, but will take a long time to recharge if the battery is really drained.

I made my own similar setup for Ham Radio use and emergency situations, but the battery always was dead or going bad when I needed to use it. The cost to replace it was significant and I never needed to use it. So I gave up on that item.

All that said, it might be good for the small dwelling use when there isn't much room for generators and similar items.

this inverter runs down to 10.5 volts. The battery replacement cost is $38.40 http://www.batteryspec.com/cgi-bin/cart.cgi?action=link&product=67&sub2=670583&sub3=Black_&_Decker_Jump_Starter_VEC_026BD_Electromate_400_Jum p_Starter_Battery

though in a SHTF you can use batteries from commercial backup systems that you can scrounge like fire control panels or emergency lights.

[jerrymrc]

I like gel cells. Good quality ones can last for many years. This set for garage power has been in service for 6 years now. 336Ah :)