06-03-2014, 03:34 PM
I'd want something portable to be able to move it anywhere.
A friend got a 5000W Honda generator and had a plug wired into his service by an electrician and had PG&E inspect and approve it.
He can plug it into his service, or move it to another part of his house (OUTside, geeze) and power stuff directly from it.
In CA, there is the potential for an earthquake disrupting natural gas lines, so gas powered portability are more important considerations.
For the last several years, he's stored it in a shed and takes it out once a year to run it and test it.
I wouldn't keep it unopened, assuming that it will just work when I need it. I'd also want to familiarize myself with it's operation with hands-on practice rather than consulting the manual when I *needed* power.
As far as solar power is concerned, I think it's a good idea in general, for daily use, and would likely serve well in an extended power outage.
What kind of capacity is typical for home use? Does the average situation provide for a few hours or a few days, or what?
But getting solar *just* to cover a possible power outage? No way it's as cost effective as a gas-powered generator.
A friend got a 5000W Honda generator and had a plug wired into his service by an electrician and had PG&E inspect and approve it.
He can plug it into his service, or move it to another part of his house (OUTside, geeze) and power stuff directly from it.
In CA, there is the potential for an earthquake disrupting natural gas lines, so gas powered portability are more important considerations.
For the last several years, he's stored it in a shed and takes it out once a year to run it and test it.
I wouldn't keep it unopened, assuming that it will just work when I need it. I'd also want to familiarize myself with it's operation with hands-on practice rather than consulting the manual when I *needed* power.
As far as solar power is concerned, I think it's a good idea in general, for daily use, and would likely serve well in an extended power outage.
What kind of capacity is typical for home use? Does the average situation provide for a few hours or a few days, or what?
But getting solar *just* to cover a possible power outage? No way it's as cost effective as a gas-powered generator.