Why generators?
Generators come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes with a huge range of power and different types of fuel. What do they all have in common? They create electricity quickly and without being connected to the power grid. Many generators can even be connected to your home to directly power your usual circuits - talk about convenience! This power can be used for smaller things (i.e. the aforementioned blow dryers and coffee makers) or for major must-haves like medical devices, refrigeration, or a sump pump to keep the basement from flooding. At Total Prepare, we have a special place in our hearts for emergency items that can pull double duty during our day to day lives and generators do not disappoint. Take one camping to watch movies in your tent, or bring one to the work site to keep power tools charged.Solar VS Gas
The two most popular types of generators are solar powered units, and ones that run on gasoline. Both have their pros and cons, but for us, solar power wins every time. Why? Lots of reasons!
Solar power is renewable too, which is great for the environment, but it's also great for emergencies where replacing your fuel stores may not be an option. Pop some panels into the sunshine and recharge without fumes, noise, mess, or fuss. Heck - you may as well set up the lawn chair beside them and catch some rays yourself.
Electric generators run so cleanly and quietly that you can run them safely indoors, or even in a tent. Having your electricity right where you need it is perfect for any situation, especially when it's raining outside. Just plug your AC, USB, or 12V plug straight into the unit and use it as usual - completely plug and play!
How long will power be out?
How long your area will be without electricity in a disaster will vary hugely depending on where you are and how much damage was done. In 2003, for example, a malfunction at an Ohio power plant caused millions of people in Ontario to be without power for 2 days, whereas a major earthquake on Canada's west coast could leave many without service for weeks. Whether you live in an urban or rural environment will effect blackout times too as recovery efforts will be focused on larger centres.
Other example scenarios:
- An EMP striking our atmosphere could disrupt power infrastructure for months or years. (If you're concerned about EMPs consider protecting your electronics and generator with DIY Faraday cages.)
- After the 2011 Christchurch NZ earthquake it took 5 days to recover power to 82% of the eastern suburbs (13% took 2 weeks and the remaining 5% took even longer.)
- In 1999 a rogue lightening strike in Brazil, coupled with under maintained power infrastructure, caused a massive chain reaction. Up to 97 Million people were without power from March 11 - June 22. Three MONTHS without Mario Kart.
How strong of a generator do I need?
Much like emergency water, it's rare to have too much electricity, however storage and budgets don't always agree with that line of thinking. So how do you choose the right generator with choices that range from the (frankly adorable) Yeti 150, all the way up to the hulking and powerful Yeti 3000 (it comes with a hand cart)? Unfortunately, the answer is math (I know, sorry.) Every Yeti product has a number in the name. This number refers to the number of Watt Hours, or the amount of energy that can be stored in each battery. If you know how many watts your electronics use, it's pretty simple to work out how long your generator will run them for: A Yeti 400 will keep a 100W light shining for 4 hours (400Wh / 100W = 4 h) If you don't know how much electricity your devices use, you can usually find that number on the device, or online. If you're looking for a faster method, here's a cheat sheet:
Remember, if your unit is hooked up to active solar panels it will be charged even while in use, extending these times.
What about solar panels?
There are a lot of factors to take into consideration when deciding what kind of panels to get with your generator. As with electricity itself, it can be a 'more the merrier' situation. Although the larger Yeti units can accommodate up to 6 of the Boulder 100 solar panels (the largest we carry), they often don't need that many. Each generator has a maximum amount of power that they can accept from solar sources. Depending on your generator this can range from 60 - 480 watts. This will effect how many panels can charge it effectively. For example, if your generator only accept up to 60 watts, and your solar panels are capturing 160 watts from the sun, 100 watts of power is going to waste.
Even so, solar energy isn't a perfect system. Your Boulder 100 solar panels aren't always going to generate exactly 100 watts. You'll have cloudy, short days for periods of the year and depending on where you're putting your panels you might have shade to contend with. It's wise to plan for this when deciding how many panels to include in your set up. Two Boulder 100 panels working at half capacity are still generating 100 watts.
Deciding on a generator and solar panel set up can be daunting. If you're not finding the information you need, or if you want a second opinion, call our friendly and professional team at 1-888-832-1733.
Can I connect a Yeti to my breaker panel?
In a limited capacity - yes. Yeti's are designed to be portable, so they're not going to generate as much power as an installed unit that can support an entire house at full blast. Using a Home Adaption Kit however, Yetis can be connected to your breaker panel to maintain up to 4 circuits.
The connection does need to be activated once the power goes out, but for many units this can be done from the Goal Zero Yeti app. Keep your lights, fridge, or whatever else you need running with the tap of a button.
The Home Integration Kit is not approved in all towns/cities, so be sure to check with your local authorities on whether this is an option for you. If you decide to proceed with on demand, in-home power, please work with a licensed electrician to install the unit.