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Advantages of Solar Energy: Not just for Doomsday Preppers!

Advantages of Solar EnergyThe advantages of solar energy for the purpose of preparing for an emergency or a disaster are enormous and the benefits of setting up solar power within your home or investing in portable solar powered energy products are also extensive. When we hear the word “Prepper” some of us automatically assume that a prepper is someone who is planning for survival, should the worst happen, like a nuclear attack. This is simply not true. Preppers are people who believe in being ready for anything.

Sometimes preppers are referred to as “doomsday preppers.” This does not mean that they are only focused on the worst case scenario mentioned above. Preppers often plan for any kind of challenge, catastrophe, urgent situation, disastrous event, or devastation that is often out of everyone’s control.

This article focuses on solar energy and the advantages and benefits of doing this. Most people who choose to go forward with solar energy to power their home will most likely invest in solar panels that are installed on the roof. It is also recommended that you install enough solar panels to power your entire home, all the time. It is a rather large investment, however this investment will save you money in the long run, and in the case of a power outage due to a storm or natural disaster; you will still be able to keep warm in cold weather, cook meals and be able to have lighting when it gets dark. This is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of the advantages of solar energy. You may need to install solar panels in stages, however eventually the same results will be achieved and the same benefits.

It is also a good idea to purchase a back-up batteries in case of a power shortage due to lack of sunlight. Providing the sun shines on most days and you have installed enough panels to power everything, you shouldn’t have any problems. The battery back-up will come in handy for those days when the weather is cloudy and raining for a few days to a week. So; let’s look at the advantages of installing solar energy to power your home:

Money Saving Benefits: The benefits you will receive in a financial sense are what motivate many people to switch over to solar energy. However; financially your outlay with be significant and it will be a while before you recoup that investment.

A Self Sufficient Lifestyle: This advantage speaks for itself. Some people choose to set up solar energy in stages as they can afford it. This is the best way to go if you are on a tight budget; however it is possible to install enough solar panels to power your entire home. If you are only able to afford to set up solar in stages, then back-up batteries might be the best way to start. The power that is generated by the solar panels will be stored in the back-up batteries and then in the event of an emergency you will be able to generate enough power to stay warm, cook and do other necessary tasks.

Easy to Install: Solar panels are far easier to install than you might believe, but having said that, it is recommended unless you know exactly what you are doing that you have an expert install them.

Low Maintenance: Once the solar energy panels have been installed, there is really nothing left to do apart from keeping them clean.

The Government cannot regulate the Sun: This is another reason many people are motivated to move over to solar. They are fed up with paying huge energy bills and the taxes that go along with this. Some people choose this way of powering their home because it is better for the environment, but it is more about not paying huge power bills.

No need for Refueling: Unless you experience a few days in a row or a week without much sun and need to use a battery back-up, there is no need to keep refueling your solar energy panels. Like an electric car, it charges on a battery charger. The solar panels are charged from the sun.

Buy Back Programs: You can benefit if you live in a State that offers a buy back program for excess electricity or if your local electric utility can/will buy back the excess electricity. If your solar set up is generating too much power that is going unused, the State will purchase this extra power from you. This arrangement also helps in recouping your initial investment.

Solar Power lasts a long time: Your solar panels will last for many years. Thirty years or longer is what most experts report. It is important that your solar panels are cleaned at least once or twice per year to ensure they work effectively for many years to come.

Solar Panels work well in the United States (US): Solar panels are effective in powering your home in most parts of the US. Given that this method of power uses the sun, you should be able to use solar panels no matter where you live.

If you are looking at solar power as a Prepper, you will need a check list of other things you should be doing. Ensuring you have a way to access power is one of the top priorities when preparing for emergencies, however you will need to stock up on bottled water, non-perishable foods and certain health items, like medication you are taking and items to create a first aid kit. This list goes on and on, as there are so many things that should be on your list. If you have not started a list or begun to stock up on things, then you really need to start if your intention is to get though a crisis with as little pain as possible.

A small solar battery bank along with just a few solar panels should be enough to do the minimum tasks that require power in an emergency situation. You might need to hand wash your clothing or do without air conditioning or heating. To ensure warmth in a crisis, you might want to consider installing a fireplace or pellet stove in your living room. This type of heat will keep the entire house warm and as long as you have access to firewood or pellets so that you will be able to stay warm. The solar powered battery bank will then be able to provide the electricity to run the blower fan.

Once you can afford to increase the number of solar panels to provide power to your home, you will be able to run things like heaters, air conditioners and other appliances that use a lot more power. It is also important to remember that the batteries need to be filled with distilled water and they should be topped up on a regular basis. Prepper sites or books on this topic can also show you how to build what preppers call a “battery bank.”

So now that you have a little more information about the advantages of solar energy, you can go ahead and make inquiries about having solar panels installed. Just keep in mind what was discussed above; if you are preparing for events out of your control that would affect your home and family and perhaps geographic location, remember to consult your notes and your check list that this article dealt with earlier. Preppers who are gearing up to survive in the event of a terrible calamity need to have a plan in place. So be sure to keep your check-list up to date, and include your solar energy options on this list.

One thought on “Advantages of Solar Energy: Not just for Doomsday Preppers!

  • The only way to get anywhere close to a fair estmiate is to actually call up a solar installer in your area, and get a free quote. The price depends vastly on your energy usage, and your location. Two houses can be neighbors, and one can use 20 times as much electricity.Solar hot water costs $4-6k, after which you may get some rebates or credits.Solar electricity costs $6k and up, after which you may get rebates or credits. A typical system, if there is such a thing, is several times that size, and it is not unheard of to have a system 20 times that large.

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