Generators aren’t cheap, particularly anything worthwhile. Solar generators, while useful, are even more expensive by the time you add in the panels and battery add-ons. What’s worst of all is that many people buy the fancy generators, never use or maintain them, and find out years down the road that they can’t get the generator to start when needed most. Yikes! (I think my father-in-law bought his generator more than a decade ago and has never tried to get it running.)
For what it’s worth, I’d mentioned many years ago that I’m not a fan of generators. That said, there are some good reasons for having one around, such as for running a window air-conditioner during the relentless summer heat. But, for most of use cases, you can get by without one. With that in mind, the video below discusses several ways to do just that, most of which will help you stay better prepared for a variety of scenarios, not just a short-term power outage where a typical generator might prove useful.
For what it’s worth, the easiest (and least expensive) way I’m aware of for you to be prepared for short-term power outages is to purchase a power inverter. I used to recommend a lowly 800-watt inverter, but these days I suggest at least a 15000-watt or even 2000-watt Energizer inverter. Add in a long enough and thick enough extension cable (you may need to maneuver your vehicle and take some measurements) and a few cans of stabilized gasoline using PRI-G and you have a ready-made generator (in the form of your vehicle) sitting in your driveway already; this idea is briefly discussed in the video below about two-thirds in. Here’s what else you can do…
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