When The Grid Goes Down: How To Power Essential Devices (i.e., Refrigerator) - vs3

[@CityPrepping]

Get 42% off before Dec 2 on @EcoFlowTech's RAPID Magnetic Power Bank: bit.ly/3OfO37N … EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank (5000mAh) on Amazon: bit.ly/49hgfBf Use my code 24EFBFCITY to get an extra 7% off all Black Friday deals (Except flash sale products and recommended accessories). Valid until Dec 2nd. EcoFlow Website: bit.ly/48Wno9C EcoFlow Amazon: bit.ly/3OiFCbU

[@dubuyajay9964]

Can you please do a vid on protecting your generators and other electronics from an EMP Strike and/or Solar Storm?

[@Misty-gl8sw]

I've been off grid for two years. I use a wood stove, candles, solar string lights off Amazon and enough solar to charge my phone. Hey... It works. :)

[@tortiecat6459]

What do you use for refrigeration/freezer items?

[@MaxGolden]

Your ready more than almost anyone. Hats off.😊

[@ActualMachinery]

@@tortiecat6459 Maybe a deep hole, and salt. LOL

[@woodrowallen]

Yeah, that's how we kick it in the temperate rain forest of southeast Alaska

[@Braveheart.22]

​@tortiec6459 propane refrig/stove. Or they have solar powered frig/freezers now

[@Carepedoit]

I know this is coming in late but I hope you see it. While all these spreadsheets and calculations are smart, I recently viewed a video on another channel that showed how one of these backup systems really works on a typical fridge. They hooked up the fridge to an EcoFlow, showed how long it took to use the power, showed how long it took to recharge the backup with a solar panel, all while monitoring the temperature in the fridge. It was enlightening. I want to see this real-world more often. I hope this is taken as a positive suggestion. I watch every video you make.

[@IcyReaper]

What channel was that?

[@robdavidson4945]

Using water as an analogy teaching electrical concepts was the way I learned electrical 40 years ago. A tried and true method. Thanks for your efforts.

[@LarryL619]

The water storage analogy is the best explanation I’ve heard yet. Well done!

[@clarkkent4991]

Agreed. Kris is a good teacher. His passion shows.

[@jacobfchoward]

Cypress Hill: When the grid goes down.... Ya betta be ready!

[@erichimes3062]

The Byrds: You don’t miss your water, till your well runs dry

[@TheDidjidude]

@@erichimes3062 I can confirm that, my well pump died once and I instantly became thirsty.

[@MMOOOOSSEE]

…You better be reAdy!!

[@ecocentrichomestead6783]

I'm a person of little money. But I've been studying the building of batteries. I think I can, over time, build a battery bank as backup power.

[@patriciatinkey2677]

Love your turn of phrase, "a person of little money". I'll be using that in the future, as I don't feel poor, but there really is very little money! Thanks.😎👍

[@ecocentrichomestead6783]

@@llN3M3515ll yes. For those that can learn to build their own from minimum components, they end up with a custom setup that works more perfect for his/her setup. The premade ones are built to be good for as many people as possible. That results in products less than acceptable for everyone.

[@ecocentrichomestead6783]

@@llN3M3515ll Will Prowse. I've watched a few of his videos.

[@littleredhen7744]

Edited to add: thank you for the information I finally understand this concept. I feel infinitely more comfortable helping my grandmother pick out a generator. Now we have to gather up all our solar panels and see what connectors and anything else we need to be able to link them. We also need to figure out the battery bank we need for the larger solar panels and hopefully to store some of the energy from the tri fuel genny. Lots to do. Thank you again! I’ve got this saved to watch after I see my 2 patients today. I’ll edit this comment after I watch. Thank you for putting this out. I need to understand this because my grandmother is wanting to buy a new genny due to her need for an oxygen machine and I have no idea what we’ll need.

[@lexluther48]

Outstanding job explaining solar energy storage and battery solutions using the analogy of water storage. This creative and relatable approach made a complex topic much easier to grasp. The comparison between batteries and water tanks, emphasizing the flow, capacity, and efficiency of storage, was brilliant-it really helps viewers visualize how energy is stored, managed, and used effectively. The way you broke down the concepts of battery capacity (like the size of a water tank) and discharge rates (like water flow) was clear and concise. This made it much easier to understand how to choose the right battery solution for specific needs. I also appreciated how you addressed practical considerations like overflows and leaks, mirroring real-life issues like inefficiency and power loss. This analogy wasn’t just informative-it was engaging and practical for anyone considering solar energy solutions. Kudos for making such an important topic accessible to everyone! I’d love to see more analogies like this in future videos-maybe something similar for understanding solar panel efficiency or grid independence. Keep up the fantastic work!

[@TammySchwerzler]

I have been wanting to fully understand these concepts for over a year, watching many channels to get information. This is by far the best explanation yet putting the information into relatable terms. Thank you!

[@hopeheavenonplanetearth1417]

I’ve been following you for years. You alway do a great lesson on this subject. I love to watch for a refresher course! Thank you!

[@MikeKemp-m7i]

I have lived off grid for 3 years now. All of our appliances are very energy efficient. Our refrigerator is regular size yet only uses 1.2 amps so around 150 watts. We have redundant solar systems in case of failure. Living off grid we have learned the importance of energy conservation. Also having a well with a 2500g water tank. Our only link to society is through Star Link.

[@int4d]

Thanks for the coupon code! I just picked up an Ecoflow Delta 2 that was already on sale for 399.00 down from 999.00. I'm a prime member so I get free shipping. Your code basically wiped out the sales tax. That's a deal. 👍

[@bigmike5678]

I did as well!

[@jgg204]

lol there is nothing unique about the promo code. Slickdeals has the same thing. 24BFCOM7

[@SaintJoker42]

You're a great teacher, I appreciate your videos as always

[@alvinowens4700]

Another great video! You really helped me get informed and make decisions on my grid down backup plan. I have two pecron e3600lfp's with the Parallel kit, a generac q3500, a genmax 10500w inverter generator, a 5kw chargeverter, and several portable solar panels. I'm working with an electrician to get everything integrated with my electrical panel for when the grid goes down again.

[@victorsnow1913]

I was in goodwill and saw 2 bundles of candles, yes I bought both.

[@jamesalles139]

Good info in the video; well explained. I could come up with a couple of nit-picks that are not material. But even with my experience I was surprised to learn that while Microwave Ovens are efficient consumers of energy - they cook quickly - They are not efficient from an _electrical power_ standpoint. Your 750 watt microwave example is small, a majority of them will be 'rated' at 1100 Watts, but check the nameplate. The actual power draw will likely be twice that value, unless you are running an inverter microwave oven (rare). Yes, 1500 watts. And the instantaneous surge power will be 2-5 times *that.* That means that to be conservative you'll need 3000 Watt continuous output and 6000 Watt surge capacity to reliable operate that 750 Watt microwave oven to cook a substantial meal It is possible to push the limits of that briefly (it takes a couple of minutes to heat up a cup of water to boiling). And my camping experience is with a 1000 Watt quality inverter and a 600 watt oven that draws 1000 Watts that I set to 50%. That is not actually 50% power, it is full power at 50% duty cycle to let things cool down in-between. Although I have not blown the 80 amp DC fuse, I have melted a fuse holder; which is what fires are made of. Hmm maybe I could cook that way, on a burning Prius. 🚗 🔥 So YMMV, don't do this at home, blah blah blah disclaimers. thanks P.S. I just plugged my larger home microwave oven into my Kill-A-Watt and it complained about being overloaded at over 1700 Watts.

[@marthagibson7819]

Thanks for breaking down Kilowatt hour. Great information on this video

[@Scottishprepper73]

Fantastic video as always. I like how you used the water to make it easier for some folks to relate to electricity flow. Great job

[@1FAST91SONOMA]

I have my bases well-covered between gas generator, ecoflows, and a power system installed in my suv. The generator outputs 3500W (continuous) and I have 8KWH worth of storage capacity across 10 devices, plus a DC-powered heater and air conditioner, heated pads, and mattress warmer. With 30 gallons of each fuel and water, and a months worth of Mountain House meals I'm ready for things to go crazy. I have over 1900W of solar panels as well as faraday bags for critical equipment. All things I never want to use, but I'll be glad to have in case I need them.

[@jimcarley7425]

12:00. If you empty the 128 oz water bottle at half an ounce a minute, it would last 256 minutes, over 4 hours.

[@RJvanVeen]

Water is such a good way to explain electricity and energy.

[@jimhovater8755]

General 24kW 'whole home' connected to natural gas. If that doesn't work, 2 wood-burning fireplaces and unlimited supply of cut/fellable wood.

[@dyosnos3157]

THIS is a real prepper. Thx man.

[@Thee-AmateurAn94]

They asked me if I knew anything about theoretical physics, I said I have a theoretical DEGREE in physics, they said welcome aboard

[@ericbates6685]

Thank you, you putting the numbers all together really helped me understand my power and generator needs,

[@subliminal69]

I just ordered a jackery 2000 plus 3 days ago. They are $200 cheaper today. i just called and emailed and it was like instant response with them doing a price match on there sales. I chose jackery because people kept saying in comparison reviews they are the best as far as customer support goes so I tested that out todat and its true.

[@dragonsniper503]

Ive heard Jackery is really good!

[@Mike-ld4ou]

I have two Jackerys both Explorer 2000, but the newer one has a better battery it’s the 2000 v2. And when I bought my first one I got price matched also. It was fast. The one I just got a few days ago have an additional 3% off. Reached out to them about that. I didn’t get the extreme kit. I purchased that case separately and saved myself over 300 bucks. I could have purchased a larger one, but size and mobility is important to me. So I didn’t want anything so heavy or large. But yeah Jackery is really good stuff.

[@dragonsniper503]

@@Mike-ld4ou I ended up choosing the plus because you can daisy chain additional batteries on. I got the deal that came with an additional battery pack and its a few hundred cheaper for the additional battery pack when in a bundle. I did reach out and jackery said they will match today sales and credit me back $200. The 2000v and the 2000plus both have the LifePO4 batteries which is great and not the lithium Ion

[@pjnealon3476]

Thanks for the video. I've always felt the water analogy is the easiest to understand.

[@debbiefiddler1804]

Thank you SO much for this video. I really needed this basic information. I plan to buy a Champion duel fuel inverter (probably the 4500 watt) and an EcoFlow Delta 2 or Delta 3 plus. I’m in Canada and everything costs more here, so I can’t buy both at once. I’m 67 and not very tech savvy, so this video is very appreciated.

[@lakorai2]

Vote Tredeau out

[@roketsan]

Today I finally got my portable power supply. 540 Wh 140,000 mAh LifePo4 . I'm happy as a child.

[@SusanaCaxiaux]

That was a great explanation! Thank you for all you do!

[@stephensuter7242]

Great explanation! Appreciate all you do for this community!

[@AaronManning-i7h]

I bought some products from that Nutrient Survival group...it was horribly bad products. The powdered eggs smell like peanut butter and are rubbery after being cooked. My brother was in the army and loves MRE's...he said this companies products were absolutely disgusting. Avoid anything with the wheat durum noodles - they will literally make you gag (ie I wasn't able to swallow a bite of their mac & cheese product). The cookies, snacks and powdered milk are okay. The milk comes out as a watered down 2% version, but is edible. I highly suspect that they started out as a company providing vitamin services to other food companies and decided to give the prepper market a try. Strongly recommend you be able to try a dehydrated prepper product BEFORE buying anything. I have nothing but regret on my purchase with them.

[@marcusrenaud1817]

Well, your way to bring the subject, was easy to understand, and very clear , and help me understand the 20%, that i was missing,,thanks

[@elizabethraworth64]

Fridge, freezer and ebike. Thanks for the info.

[@two23rem]

If you are using a battery back-up generator to power a hot plate or any other method of cooking (even heating water), you have already failed at prepping.

[@fredherfst8148]

Our 2019 Leaf has about 24 kWh of useable energy when charged to about the usual 80%. We can power a 1000w pure sine wave inverter and in turn, power a fridge, some lights etc for several days. We just have to make sure to keep it charged up during storm season 😁. Our townhouse complex would balk at the suggestion of a solar generator. Hmm…maybe I’ll try my council again.

[@bravotwozero535]

The issue for me is what if I don’t need it for long periods of time. For water I can treat it to last 5 years. Rechargeable batteries don’t like that and need a reduced storage charge plus 3-6 month charging and will still degrade over time.the best solution is an all in one inverter that will manage the battery but is also the most expensive.

[@PaulAtreidesMuadDib]

Found out by Trial and error that I can get by with a 5k Gas Generator 6k surge in the winter unless I want to cook or turn on my Aerobic Septic Pump. You're right just need to watch those surge loads. In the summer I can get by with a 12kw/15kw surge Gas Generator and run all of my AC except the large 5 ton unit downstairs. In SHTF I don't need the downstairs unit. In the process of sizing a battery array for at least 2 day, preferably 3-day of peak summer capacity. Since I have an interlock I'll probably get the batteries first and then put up a pergola with bifacials and one section of my roof will have regular Panels and run them through the inverter, Then once I've got my needs Met I'll look at Grid tiieing

[@nancybullock6458]

Thanks for the calculator and great video. Do you have a video for solar panel extension cords? The freezer that I want to power with an Eco Flow is in the garage. As there is a 2 story house next door which blocks the sun for a good portion of the day in the winter I would have to place the solar panels in the backyard. The distance is about 50 feet.

[@puzzling7785]

I love this channel. I always learn soooo much!!

[@inkmetal1]

This reminded me why I HATE math. As long as I can power 2 refrigerators and 2 freezers it works for my needs.

[@Retromoose2000]

Good video and also congrats on your 20 years of your guys marriage to u and your wife 😊

[@earlshaner4441]

Good afternoon from Syracuse NY brother and thank you for sharing this information and go to your survival plans if the power goes out

[@princessl0llie421]

Very informative video...i recommend your channel to everyone!! Thanks for being great! 😊

[@troybuchanan8676]

Perhaps this video would be better presented utilizing a series of hand puppets, Chris. 😂

[@clarkkent4991]

Excellent tutorial! Btw … I just pulled the trigger on my first solar gen. EcoFlow Pro 3 with two 400w panels. I really hope I made a good comprehensive choice for my needs. I feel like I did. Been saving for it for a while. Question… what brand of cable and gauge should I use to extend the length of the cables? I need about 100ft to be on the safe side. Also what qualities should I look for in cables? Thanks again!!! I feel like a new father!! A bouncing baby EcoFlow. I also purchased a duel fuel inverter 5000Kwh from HarborFreight. TWINS! Lol. 😂😂😂⚡️💡

[@romeostanescu2708]

Excelent explanation. Good job.

[@LittleBitOfSunshine4u]

Awesome video! I'll be downloading a copy of your tool, for sure. Can you please show us how to connect 2 solar panels? I heard if you connect them wrong, you'll only get the amount of the weakest panel. What?!

[@ObservaDome]

💡Excellent Video Kris💡

[@tracimckay9487]

I invested in a 2000 watt generator that came with an 800 watt solar panel. I plugged in my freezer and small electric, 800 watt , electric stove. Now once the freezer hit its temp, the motor on the freezer stopped slowing down the use of wattage. Meanwhile the electric stove continued to use 800 watts. Now lets say ive used up most the power in my generator. How long would it take for a 800 watt solar panel to recharge a 2000 watt generator? 🤔 should I invest in more solar panel?

[@tito-vm7nr]

Can you do a video on powering or recharging Ecoflow solar generator with an inverter/generator that’s not an ecoflow smart generator? Like with a champion generator and what size you would need to recharge solar generator

[@24carrotgold8]

My biggest concern during a prolonged outage would be the loss of the meat in my freezer. Although I have multiple solar power units, multiple solar panels and tons of sun 🏝🌊🌋 I decided to learn how to can meats. I bought water bath and electric pressure canning systems and have gradually started stocking my shelves. I also have an ice machine which I can use with my generator and can fill Styrofoam ice chests to store refrigerated things temporarily. 🤪

[@bronzefox9035]

We can all of our meat, milk and butter for this very reason.

[@christineedwards8773]

Kris what is your feelings on these solar panels from Harbor Freight (THUNDERBOLT SOLAR 100 Watt Amorphous Solar Panel Kit) that claim they are still collecting power even on cloudy days. Someone here on You Tube was recommending them and I thought it would be a good idea to get as I live in the Northeast and during the winter months we don't get a lot of sun. Thank you. Chris.

[@maydanavabarnett5177]

Thanks for the great info! Keep it coming 😉

[@4x4chevyrob]

I'm on the grid and our power went out 2 nights in a row I do have low means solar lights a gen for my fridge and freezer and wood stove for cook/heat I still don't get why it turned off no bad weather it's just more than ever people are using a lot of power

[@marshamorgan3917]

Hi Chris, Great info on solar generators. Do you ever evaluate or use small home size wind generators? I have been looking at all options and live in a very windy area. Thank you for your help.

[@jameswilsin5348]

Use a squirrel to run a generator 😂

[@patriciatinkey2677]

Sadly, Florida south Florida squirrels are scrawny, wouldn't work here!

[@mikerharrison5104]

Don’t do it, the GOV will send in the stormtroopers and destroy the squirrel and there goes that source of power.

[@mikecaster4612]

My only question is which system can support a half megawatt battery? Here in Michigan, the snow is flowing, and the solar panels are teasing the charge controllers with a few watts - draining the batteries, trying to keep the charge controllers in power. It could be cloudy and snowy for months - a half megawatt would get me through winter. I would charge it all summer to pay back the energy.

[@cuppy8688]

Thanks again Chris!! Great knowledge!

[@able880]

If your off grid for any length of time your better off using a chest type viehical fridge - refrigorator or car compressor refrigorator - They use 80 to 90% less power than the standard frost free refrgirator - there sold on amazon - A frost free fridge is rated with an out side temperature of not more than 75° F - During the summer when you desire cold beverages and the grid is down and the kitchen is 95° F like after huricanes a frost free home fridge will run 100% of the time and only pull down to 55° F - In that case a chest car fridge will still pull the contents down to 34°F it might only run 30%. of the time - Were i live huricanes and ice storms can knock power out for long periods i live in the rural south - Many still have old 1950s fridges that were made for none AC kitchens from the 30s till the 70s - they were designed for hot out side tempeturs and keep things cold when its 100°F out side and only run 30% of the time - like car type chest refrigorators with a compressor - only get car chest fridges that can pull down to at least minus 4 degrees - If the grid is down a car frige helps a lot ive used them for about 40 yrs after many huricanes and tropical storms knocked power out -

[@robertgaines-tulsa]

You should also learn how to make do and improvise when modern necessities aren't available. We live in an era of convenience, so people will throw money at a problem to deal with it. I could just see people burning up all their fuel and battery over using space heaters on high and at the highest thermostat setting just because they're full of themselves. At least, use the thermostat on a space heater. You can make do with 60'F with warm clothing and blankets. Your neighbors probably don't even have that, so there is no need to compete to be the most comfortable person in the neighborhood during a disaster. Oil lamps provide light and warmth, a fire brings the family together, and a tent can be set up in your living room to keep your family warm even without heat because the tent will contain your body heat and your house will shelter the tent.

[@Lostinthesand]

When the grid goes down, better be ready for 19th century living. Cold cellar for vegetable, preserved meats, vegetables and fruit. (Trying to maintain a refrigerator or freezer for a long term, even using solar, is not a viable option.). It will eventually fail.

[@thefpvlife7785]

Most should prep for grid down n not off grid.

[@JeffSnyder-t1u]

Really good stuff. Very useful!

[@jameswilsin5348]

I been ofgrid for over 5 years

[@Ks1bigdad783]

Good analogy with the water usage…too bad our government doesn’t understand that concept with spending….🤷‍♂️

[@dawnbaker9274]

The analogy really helps. Thanks.

[@able880]

AT&T started installing solar panels on remote mcrowave repeaters in the early 70s - In the south west the solar panels out put was good - In many areas of the country it was good enough - In ares in south louisiana during summer solar out put was poor during summer - the high dence humidity or moisture in the air defuses the UV light generated by the sun - The UV light does not strike the panels directly - in the summer at noon day solar panels might generate 50% of there rated out put at 35% humidity - There not many cloudless days - in november in south Louisiana on a clear cool day at 25% humidity solar panels only generate 5 to 7% of there rated power in south Louisiana - You cant go by those indutry color charts - you have to set up the panels were your using them - Then see what kind of power the solar panels generate at your location - You have to have a generator with the solar panels -

[@SueD.]

Very informative--thanks.

[@armandomata4107]

Good day. Id like to have your opinion on the Sunway tech solar 14.33kwh battery and if it can be compatible with a EG4 6000XP INVERTER. I have tried finding videos on the subway battery brand but couldn't find a reliable opinion

[@Love4Truth777]

So are you telling me that my Champion Dual Fuel Generator (12000//9500-gas 10800/8550-propane) is too much power to charge up my EcoFlow Delta Pro 3-?

[@kylefrandsen2665]

What's the cheapest way to find the surge requirement for a fridge? It looks like the Kill-A-Watt doesn't tell you the surge.

[@florida9710]

I learned a lot! Thank you

[@chrisgilbert9921]

In your 128 x 0.5 = 60 example, the math is right, but your statement about using 0.5 ounces per minute = 60 minutes (1 hour) is wrong. You could use 2 ounces per minute...128 oz/2 oz/min = 64 minutes

[@IcyReaper]

Unfortunately the TPC site is only for electronic items like computers, routers, game consoles, etc. Not much use for items most of your viewers want to figure out. I never knew it could be so hard to find the usage data. Call the manufacturer and they don't seem to get it or why you would want it since the power doesn't go off for long according to them or only have that stupid yellow sticker info that is pretty much useless. I didn't know the federal energy usage info for items like washers includes the water heating costs?? I agree with a couple folks the EU data sheets are much better. Guess I will be ordering a Kill a watt. BTW, the new version P4498 has a desperate readout meter from the plug since you may not be able to see the readout on something like a freezer or fridge.

[@kpheathen9370]

Greetings from Louisiana

[@metube0309]

Sunshine is scarce all winter in upstate New York. No one ever addresses this problem.

[@jameswilsin5348]

A 700 wat microwave uses 1.2kw I know cause my Solar generater shows what is is pulling when I use microwave

[@despoticmusic]

Sounds like you’ve got a wattage leak somewhere 😂😂😂

[@JamesChiaramonte-w7l]

I am trying to get to the solar generator buyers guide that you are using and I don’t find it. What is the actual website for it?

[@jkim412]

Positive Comment!!!

[@justjoanish]

#6 Happy post Thanksgiving to all who survived

[@1JO_M]

Watts are "ok" but amps are what really matters, for example if a 12v system uses 40 amps, a 24v system would use 20 amps and a 48 v system would use 10 amps if used with the same device. Though watts stay the same, the amps decrease proportionately. Plus a 24, and I believe a 48 volt system charges much faster than a 12v system. As I have taken a set-up and put it as a 12v system and it charged at about 13.5v volts with 18 amps then simply switched the battery configuration to 24 and solar charge controller to 24v and it charged at 27+v at 18 amps. If one were to use 6000 watts per day ( which is quite high if someone were to "bare bones " it off-grid) a 12v system would take 500ish amps while a 24v system would use 250ish amps and a 48v system would use 125ish amps NOT including the "idle consumption" of the inverter.

[@termsandconditions1618]

Thank you

[@chrisgibson9629]

Great info

[@caucasoid5645]

The fake welding at about 3:45 is completely unneccessary. Just hold it there and make sparks. No need to wave the mig stinger back n forth

[@andydroid9782]

@@caucasoid5645 hahaha

[@pobo6113]

Ok if I have room for say 4 solar panels and could afford to buy any panel why would someone buy 4 100 watt panels instead of buying 4 450 watt panels. This is what I am not understanding.

[@decormiamour]

most people can’t afford to buy 450w panels.

[@pobo6113]

@ I said in my comment “ could afford to buy any panel”. What I’m trying to learn is wouldn’t it be better to have the most efficient panel “ you can afford”? Or is there another reason?

[@decormiamour]

@ The reason is cost. A 450w panel is close to $750, if not more, unless you’re buying in bulk. 100w panel is $120 at best.

[@Cornelis-Dz]

I am Dutch and live in Italy. So I can't judge how things are in America. But I get the impression that in America the power grid goes down at least once a week. Is it really that bad in your country? I myself am interested in a Solar system but only because I want to get off the grid. As an emergency supply I think a system of between 10000 and 15000 Euros is way too much. And I can survive two or three days without electricity.

[@morgank7560]

Lol no but I guess it depends where you live. For me, we get at least 1 blackout a year.

[@wishcome4318]

Are you getting your U.S news from CNN. 😂!

[@Cornelis-Dz]

@@wishcome4318 No, not from CNN but NOS. I am talking about the various “prep” channels. Now this is a rather civilized channel but most of these kinds of channels give people, even outside America, the impression that Americans are afraid of just about everything. And the low point of the channels I know then is the channel “OFF GRID with DOUG & STACY” where these days it's only about conspiracy theories. It is quite disturbing that that channel has almost 1.3 million subscribers and if you read the many comments it does not give American a good name. I obviously don't get my news about the U.S. from this kind of channel but I do wonder how Americans really think. I subscribe to “City Prepping” because of the detailed info on Solar systems told by a civilized person. But sometimes even here I sometimes get the impression that Americans think the end of time is near and the power grid could go down at any time. Hence my question, “is the power-grid really down on a weekly basis?”

[@reginafetty6374]

We used to lose power once every two weeks for at least 3 hours until the power company decided to release some of their billions to invest in new transformers. Now we don't lose power but a few times a year because of storms.

[@davidjones1393]

THKS

[@glen2908]

Hello Chris, I like the concept of your spreadsheet, but there is one major flaw that almost no-one takes into account. Power stations are much more efficient at high average loads than at low average loads. A mid size power station (2.4KW/2KWH) can be >90% efficient at a 2000W average load, but can be

[@Detour4it]

First you said the delta 3 has a kw capacity of 1024, and then you said 2k... ?

[@rjaquaponics9266]

if a Microwave consumers 750 watts to excite the magnetron, it uses 750 watts during the initial startup and 750 watts continuously every minute after. Your calculations are incorrect either that or you have a revolutionary new microwave.. Where can I buy one like that?

[@peterryan7340]

I looked very hard at solar generators but bit the bullet and purchased a whole house SolarEdge system with battery. 9.7kwh battery and 8.7kw of QCells panels. I also have a Honda EU30000 generator

[@tortiecat6459]

I bet it bit the wallet as well! 😊

[@peterryan7340]

@tortiecat6459 yes $33000 Australian

[@1JO_M]

Watts are "ok" but amps are what really matters, for example if a 12v system uses 40 amps, a 24v system would use 20 amps and a 48 v system would use 10 amps if used with the same device. Though watts stay the same, the amps decrease proportionately. Plus a 24, and I believe a 48 volt system charges much faster than a 12v system. As I have taken a set-up and put it as a 12v system and it charged at about 13.5v volts with 18 amps then simply switched the battery configuration to 24 and solar charge controller to 24v and it charged at 27+v at 18 amps. If one were to use 6000 watts per day ( which is quite high if someone were to "bare bones " it off-grid) a 12v system would take 500ish amps while a 24v system would use 250ish amps and a 48v system would use 125ish amps NOT including the "idle consumption" of the inverter.

[@tortiecat6459]

@@peterryan7340 Wow! But if your system gets many years of service, it'll definitely pay for itself.

[@peterryan7340]

@1JO_M The SolarEdge system has a 400v architecture. The battery can charge at 5kw and discharge at 5kw will grid connected or 7.5kw in offgrid mode

[@jameswilsin5348]

Power goes out hop on the bycicle and start peddling

[@yobuddy2920]

I'll never understand how people can drink so much water... I must have been a camel in my past life.

[@hiddenhand6973]

Not enough potassium in their diets is my guess.

[@stevebishop3796]

Kris. You had your nerd cap on today. Good job! 😊

[@lauracochran3213]

👍

[@Lowspeedoperator]

Math is hard 😂

[@andydroid9782]

I get it. You have lots of sponsors that give you solar to promote. I can't afford that. You never address the EMP issue with that prep. Come down to earth with the common person and teach us prepping that is more realistic. You seem to be over doing something that's out of reach at least for me. Looks like your plantation is going to be fully automated. Unachievable for most of us. That's my two cents.

[@ryanhowell3302]

In his defense, he has a ton of videos on doing things on a budget for the “common person”. When trying to reach a wide audience, you can’t just teach how to make an alcohol stove out of a soda can every video just as much as you can’t spend every video teaching about solar generators. If this video isn’t useful, browse his channel and find something more applicable or find a different channel

[@andydroid9782]

@ryanhowell3302 I just skip through like I did this one. Solar is expensive and he leans heavy on the topic. The batteries have a shelf life and are expensive. Electricity is nice to have but is only a convince. I have a few 100w solar panels to run my CPAP but not to sure how useful a fridge will be after a month or so.

[@lanceboudreau3630]

@@andydroid9782I get what you mean about after a disaster about the fridge not being needed after a month. However that’s where the other preps come in. The fridge will forever be useful if you hunt and have a garden. But if you’re just relying on a stockpile prior to the disaster and have no way of restocking it then would become pretty useless after it runs out

[@andydroid9782]

@@lanceboudreau3630 I just figured if I got an animal I would eat what I could and jerky the rest. In reality going out to get game will most likely be dangerous. I would expect a lot of conflict with some wanting what I exhausted many calories to get. Not to mention the people that will be territorial of an area. Not sure there will be much game to be had in a month. Really depends on how far the disaster plummets.

[@lanceboudreau3630]

@ this is true

[@rsv3857]

WW3 and nuke War will stop if you listen to instructions in song 🎵 “WAR RHYTHYM OF THE MICROPHONE 🎤