Gold Supporter
Bronze Supporter
- Messages
- 12,950
- Reactions
- 47,256
Hey guys, I really appreciate all of your input and replied. You all have some really interesting outlooks. I did purchase an outback, and am lifting it tomorrow based upon some of your suggestions. An off-road capable vehicle is very important. So thanks for the advice.
With that said I have a question here. My wife and I are now considering a generator purchase. We have 2 kids so will be getting 2400$ with the stimulus money (that we will all pay for later).
I am strongly split between a gas or solar generator. I was able to talk myself into a 150$ discount for the jackery 1000 battery bank and 2 panel combo. Total cost of that kit is 1450$. I'd be able to silently produce a low amount of power completely off grid. It also isn't noisy.
I've seen some Honda generators at sportsman. I probably don't need a badass one so let's say I get one for 1000. Discount brings it to 950$ I would need to keep fuel around for it, and it would make a bunch of ruckus I am sure. With it making noise hungry, horny, thirsty and otherwise desperate other humans could be drawn to my family and I with nefarious intent.
Would you buy a gas or solar generator and why? I cannot make up my mind one way or another.
Start with gas and go multifuel. Your primary should be diesel since it can store as long as ten years and you hopefully won't be using it often. Get an Onan. You can find them inexpensively on the used market and they last forever with maintenance. They may not look as purdy as some you see but they are designed to give long service as opposed to one that gets sold for looks, then when it sits for a few years won't work because something corroded. Get ye to www.survivalmonkey.com and search for posts containing onan by btpost. Bruce lives in Alaska and normally generates his own power. He knows these inside and out and what models fit various needs the most.
Now that you saved a TON of money and bought the generator that won't let you down, you have money left over for enough solar to power the essentials like refrigeration and some minimal lighting, also well pumps if you have them. I'd consider DC emergency LED lights for when you are failed over to solar as they, not needing any conversion to AC, will be far, far, more officient. Again the answers will be found over at www.survivalmonkey.com. MANY of the members there live off grid and a lot of them use solar and know the ins and outs very well. Dozens of excellent threads on the subject to read up on by people who rely on these systems daily. Once you have schooled yourself a bit, join the forum, and ask your question. The members will ask you questions you likely havent considered and will point out the options.