Alien Apocalypse Emergency Solar System

[Geekoncall]

For the first time in my entire life I had a dream that I thought was real. Long story short, a government staged a "massive threat" event and society fell into utter chaos. I lived the apocalypse for several days. It's all feasible and likely.

The dream taught me that electricity is of utmost and extreme importance. We'll have food and water, but a tiny bit of electricity powers CB's, recharges flashlights, electric tools, car batteries, and laptop computers (on which important medical and survival records are stored)

There is precious little information on emergency PV electricity. I've lurked on this and other forums for months.

These are the specs I'm looking to meet:

-Price: $200-$1,000 ($2,000 max, and that's a stretch)

-Enough wattage to power a DC>AC inverter with a few battery chargers plugged in. Maaaybe a Coleman 12VDC ice chest/refrigerator.

-Expandability (it would be awesome if this "emergency" system could be later supplemented to power a tiny DC "man cabin" in the woods.)


That's about it! A barebones system for a barebones emergency (or man-cabin).

In your experience, what system specs would you suggest I (and other SHTF blokes) consider?

Thanks in advance for your time!

[Naptown]

a couple of solar garden lights and that's about it.
designing for SHTF scenario's is mental masturbation.

Better to invest in ordinance, large caliber and lots of ammunition.

[Geekoncall]

Sht-eff

That's covered Wild game will be practically extinct in an SHTF, and I've enough ammo to hold off a few thousand people who will want at my water and food. I don't plan on being in a city when crazy SHTFers start shooting each other for sacks of rice. (Watch Ip Man...men have and will kill each other for a pound of rice)

I agree with the mental masturbation quip. I've come to the realization that preparing for SHTF scenarios is like going to college to learn everything--no matter what, you'll never be prepared for all feasible scenarios.

Backup electricity is, however, useful (and potentially life-saving) in most SHTF/natural disaster situations. Even if no SHTF occurs, I'll still have a man-cabin in the woods with enough juice to make weekend stays pleasant.

(Regarding the high operating cost of battery backup systems: is it feasible to disassemble the batteries, buff the plates, and add more electrolyte? You can refurbish an auto battery for $12 that way. Why not a solar battery?)

[Sunking]

The only thing you need when and if TSHF moment happens, is one bullet and a hand gun to fire it.

[russ]

The only thing you need when and if TSHF moment happens, is one bullet and a hand gun to fire it.

Totally agreed! Most of the 'survivalist' bunch have no idea what they are looking at.