DO THIS If You Can't Afford a Generator

[@diypreppertv]

Recommended Prepper Gear and Resources: Eneloop Rechargeable Battery Kit: amzn.to/3zlxVgV (affiliate link) Maglite XL50 LED Flashlight: amzn.to/3Y1MJMf (affiliate link) Battery-Operated Headlamp: amzn.to/45HvRfn (affiliate link) LED Popup Lanterns: amzn.to/4ci7J5F (affiliate link) Rechargeable D-Cell Batteries: amzn.to/3VGcbUF (affiliate link) EBL Smart Battery Charger: amzn.to/4clhMXA (affiliate link) Anker USB Battery Bank: amzn.to/4bo5Y5p (affiliate link) 400-Watt Battery Inverter: amzn.to/4cGLJB3 (affiliate link) Portable Solar Panels: amzn.to/3VMVO8C (affiliate link) USB Battery Charger for AA, AAA, and D-Cells: amzn.to/3XHRj1I (affiliate link) Faraday Bag: amzn.to/3xqDoTi (affiliate link) Midland ER310 Emergency Radio: amzn.to/4eLlCus (affiliate link) Popup Solar LED Lantern: amzn.to/3RN9tf0 (affiliate link) Dietz Air Pilot Hurricane Lantern: amzn.to/4eEISu9 (affiliate link) UCO Candlelier Candle Lantern: amzn.to/3zo1BKm (affiliate link) Portable Butane Stove: amzn.to/3xz7aVT (affiliate link) Mr. Heater Buddy Heater: amzn.to/3W2ONSA (affiliate link) Renogy 320-Watt Solar Panels: amzn.to/3RLUxgW (affiliate link) Pure Sine Way Inverter: amzn.to/3RMXL3W (affiliate link) Deep Cycle LiFePO4 Batteries: amzn.to/3W3Gndu (affiliate link) Solar Charge Controller: amzn.to/45HGQWd (affiliate link) Ecolfow Solar Generators: us.ecoflow.com/?aff=136 (affiliate link) This channel is owned and operated by DIY Prepper. DIYPrepper.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This channel also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.

[@geod3589]

Most people forget that their car or truck has a lot of gas in the tank. I was amused at a woman who bemoaned that the gas station pump's weren't working and she and hubby couldn't buy gas for their generator. They never even thought they were riding around with 10-15 gallons in their truck. Remember, if power is off, and you have solar lights, etc, don't light up the entire house. Don't draw attention to yourself.

[@lanagraham4587]

I bought a dorm size fridge/freezer. I also bought a solar generator. I have crank radio/lights that's also solar. 5 of those. I'm not buying anything that uses batteries. I'm prepping for a longer outage. East Texas

[@chupacabra304]

Thats awesome 👏🏽 Consider adding some of those micro-wind turbines as well! And I saw some sweet ideas of planting food crops beneath solar panels in hotter climates, the shade cools the plants, yet they still receive enough sunlight to grow This way you could sort of triple your space usage

[@richavic4520]

After being in the path of a tornado, i learned that 3 or 4 of those solar powered lawn accent lights could light up a room pretty well.

[@texasaggiegigsem]

WalMart has them for a buck each! They have about a 25% initial failure ratio, so buy extra accordingly. If they don't fail right away, they generally last years.

[@richavic4520]

@texasaggiegigsem this was five years ago. They weren't putting out more than 5-10 lumens each. In total darkness, though they did the trick.

[@sherrin.5622]

Living on the Gulf coast and having gone through multiple hurricanes, I started using white battery operated string lights. They usually only take 2 to 3 AA batteries and last a long time. I keep them in bathrooms, hallways, and high traffic areas. I keep them on all night so I don't have to pick up my flashlight or lantern every time I want to move around.

[@jar407]

dollar tree has a mini square flashlight with 2 different beams i used as nightlight for my 96 yr mom the bathroom had a auto emergency light and nitelight so i set the dollar flashlight on her jewelry chest to get her into hall 3 aaa batteries lastes weeks from dark to morning

[@pinschrunner]

Same idea but I put a puck light mounted on the wall right next to each light switch that we inevitably flick on, out of habit, when there is no response, we hit the pucks

[@WalkInFreedom]

Solar pathway lighting work very well

[@MaryPronschinske-i8n]

putting a small tent on top of your bed also lets you sleep in a warmer environment, as the body heat and breathing will help add warmth :)

[@patriotordinance9695]

I built a solar generator my self it’s a small one but works great and works great with a solar pannel all in a plastic ammo box 👍🌴😎🌴🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍

[@diypreppertv]

Nice!

[@nwhpdawns2239]

Same :) fun project!!

[@chupacabra304]

Is there a diagram online? How could someone replicate this project? :) thanks for the idea

[@patriotordinance9695]

@@chupacabra304 I don’t think so to many variables because of add ons .

[@chupacabra304]

@@patriotordinance9695 noted, thats a cool idea you got going still ! :)

[@Kwash56]

We plan on using the candles/oil lamps in the winter, which will help with heat, and the flashlights/electrical lights in the summer when we can charge them easily with solar panels. Can’t afford a generator.

[@texasaggiegigsem]

I'd suggest making a rehersed plan for safe placement of any flame-containing device, as emergency services can be unreliable or outright non-existent after a disaster.

[@Skidderoperator]

Downsize everything

[@johnpitre1295]

I COOK w/ SOLAR Ovensss....Largest Cookie jar $12 @ WalMt w/ clear glass w/ lid...put.2nd glass jar inside...put Relectix inside & underr...clear glass saucersss under 2nd jar & on top as lid...1 under allows sunlight 2 reflect UNDER the 2nd jar...cooks.RAW Meat in summer...good4 warming cand food n ❄

[@stevebishop3796]

When I bought our camp trailer a few years ago, the idea was to also have a second space with fridge, stove, shower etc and keep it ready with provisions. The fridge went out but I found a barely used replacement at a great price. All these things require maintenance, $$ and your time, so plan accordingly.

[@patryott2468]

A refrigerator is like a freezer in that the more full it is, the less energy required to maintain proper temperature. Try keeping bottles of water in "empty" spaces. You can remove the bottled water when you need the cold space, and put it back when you need to fill that space.

[@alexipestov7002]

Thermal mass, that's the basic concept of thermal batteries. You'll expend more power initially to cool the object, because you'll in effect be 'charging' the battery. But because there's more mass, it functions as thermal inertia, hence why it coils down slower when power is removed. This doesn't actually change the net energy, but it shifts around *when* the energy is used. And if the power goes out, you'll want to backload and frontload rather than keeping consumption steady.

[@mauimixer6040]

And if you keep those water bottles in a freezer, they will help it stay colder longer without power. 😊

[@danielcox8498]

Greetings from Tennessee. While I agree that rechargeable batteries are a good choice, I can't recall you ever saying anything about solar rechargeable battery chargers. You might also think about comparing solar rechargeable LED lights for battery life and recharge times. Keep up the good work. ✌️

[@diypreppertv]

Thanks for watching Daniel!

[@johnpowell4415]

Excellent info JR cheers from Australia. Thank you for what you're doing, we're learning alot

[@johnpitre1295]

I connect one 25 watt SolPanel-----> $30 Recharg Lanterns from WalMt...New type has a Solar Panel , Hand crank & USB

[@adamanddadmathieson4689]

A great video, very informative. Best Regards from Scotland!

[@johnpitre1295]

Best tastn' PIZZA S L O W cooked n solar oven....Best eggs, etc A famous Chef said " Solar cooked meals taste tha BEST " 🍽

[@warmongerel9743]

I have a couple of power banks with built-in solar panels. They'll take a long time to charge, but they're better than nothing. I do like your idea of charging power banks 1st with portable solar panels and then using the banks to charge devices. It makes more sense than, say, just charging a phone. You can use the power in the bank to charge more things.

[@johnpitre1295]

I connect Directly from one 25 watt Solar Panel -----> 2 USB Power Bricks $10 @ WalMt via Dual USB cig.socket....Doin' this 4 yrs...no harm to Power Bricks. ⭐

[@murda2999]

I have a number of DeWalt 20V tool batteries. They store a lot of energy in each. Amazon has converters to take the 18-20V of various tool batteries and convert it to 12V. This voltage can then be used by various automotive USB outlets and portable lights. USB is the future power supply for small devices.

[@diypreppertv]

Thanks for sharing!

[@texasaggiegigsem]

USB-C can provide up to 100W! (20v/5 amps, negotiated with the device, otherwise it gets 5v max by default). Shockingly, I think a new charging spec is in the works that'll go up to 48v and be able to provide 250 watts.

[@mauimixer6040]

Thanks for sharing and the reminder.

[@BigBlue1026]

A whole bunch of great ideas. Thanks JR.

[@diypreppertv]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@OldStationRecords]

Good videos. It would be great someone explains from zero how to create a solar generator. Also other eolic generator. Thank you, Joe

[@Terry-w9o]

I'm glad you made this video thanks jr

[@diypreppertv]

You’re welcome Terry! Thanks for watching!

[@StandFirmToTheEnd]

Thanks JR for all the great videos! I love seeing a young man with a good head his shoulders.

[@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123]

I was thinking the same thing !!!

[@Lee_Proffit]

The other thing about the solar generators is that you need the matched solar panels to go with them, no point if you have a big generator and only a 100W panel to power it, it will take a week to power it up 😞

[@diypreppertv]

Yeah, that is something that gets overlooked quite a bit. I’m still a little lower than I’d like to be in that area.

[@Lee_Proffit]

@@diypreppertv Same here, that's why I thought that I would mention it 🙂

[@hamfox9714]

Most of them allow the use of most solar panels. There are some that only allow the use of there panels but not most.

[@ronaldsimmonds1002]

Quality content thanks JR🇺🇸👍🏻.

[@diypreppertv]

You’re welcome Ronald! Thanks for watching!

[@rfs54]

well it appears that this vid is a month old now, but just in case since i just found it myself , a good thing to mention would be solar lights like the solar security ones, i have one that i put a piece of wire through its mounting holes so it can be quickly hung up anywhere just charge it during the day and it's all good mine came from harbor freight & has been forgotten to be taken back out and although not real bright it still lasted for 2 nights.

[@paulfuryes203]

Great video, JR. Very informative, and you have given me some new ideas. Thanks. Take care, my friend.

[@diypreppertv]

Thank you Paul!

[@onetweetygirl71]

Was thinking about the car battery option. Just wanted to throw out how it is very useful inside your home. For instance. Many, many years ago, my in-laws had a power outage right after we were married (early 2000s). They had a pellet stove with an electric feeder and with no power, no feeder. So, fil rigged up a car battery to the stove so they had power. They didn't have those kinds of converters back then. But it's something to think about.

[@MichaelWysocki-ks5xt]

We had so many power outages where I used to live that I was seriously considering running extra low- voltage wiring and 12 volt lighting in every room with a wire near the driveway so I could just connect it to battery in a car. I use a lawn tractor battery in a box for outdoor tools and lighting all the time. It works great for camping. I can pump up air mattress right in the tent , and with LED lights it goes for many days.

[@MichaelWysocki-ks5xt]

They should make ‘ Icy Ball ‘ absorption refrigerators again. Burn a little oil or even wood and be able to make ice.

[@frostyfrances4700]

Never heard of those before! Would you let me know please if you can find something similar now?

[@MichaelWysocki-ks5xt]

@@frostyfrances4700 antique devices made back in the 40s for rural people without electricity. Look it up a on KZbin, I know there USED to be a few videos plus video of someone that made their own modern version. Made by Crosley company

[@lindaevans3815]

I'd like to know more about that, too.

[@MichaelWysocki-ks5xt]

There are a few ‘ Icy Ball ‘ refrigerator videos on KZbin. Ammonia refrigerant absorption refrigeration made by Crosley company.

[@frostyfrances4700]

@@MichaelWysocki-ks5xt - Yeah, plenty of videos. But no links to buy that I can find.

[@commonsensepatriot9450]

Great video! Do what you can with what you can afford. Test your methods before you actually need them so you know for sure they'll function and do what you need them to do. Thanks for the thought provoking video.

[@Alice-ng2po]

Stock up on your canned and dried foods big time.

[@danskdna8550]

Pet food included.

[@observingrogue7652]

There are also handcrank and exercise equipment generators you can buy or make.

[@texasaggiegigsem]

Good actionable video for anyone living on the gulf coast. Keeping small electronics up makes a lot of sense. I personally have a 3.5kw tri-fuel generator, an old 40 watt solar panel recovered from a crashed buoy, a 286wh Blue Etty, a stand-alone 600w pure sine wave inverter I can connect to vehicles, a BBQ pit, bags of charcoal, plenty of untreated wood, fishing gear, small kid's swimming pool, etc. Meaningful preps doesn't have to cost a fortune.

[@daisycofresi7252]

Thank you thank you for your kindness.😊

[@dgunearthed7859]

Two things: ive got most of my devices in one rechargeable battery size so if it came doen to the last charged battery for the day, i can determine which device to run. AND they actually sell 2000w vehicle inverters so as you said, as long as you have gasoline you can power what you can with the common sized gas generators. Just be sure to have a CO2 alarm close by!

[@sammitorn5326]

Can you charge the solar generator with the gas generator? Maybe with a surge protector?

[@Greyteam4291]

Yes Left my fridge and freezer plugged into my Patriot solar generator overnight, then in the morning, started the gas generator and plugged the Patriot in. It charged while still running the frig and freezer. My Patriot is 6 years old now and still works great, but i do need to top off the charge twice a year if it doesn't get used.

[@diypreppertv]

Yes, you can charge a solar generator with a gas generator. It’s best to do it with an inverter generator since they produce “cleaner” power, but I’ve done it with my regular gas generator that has a built in surge protector. I don’t recommend doing that a lot, but in a pinch, it may be useful.

[@suebrittain9563]

On the rechargable batteries - I have a solar powered battery charger.

[@MDK1968Mimi]

Thank you J.R. Appreciate this video. Blessings ❤

[@mauimixer6040]

Brought a Koolatron, both a sm. cooler size refrigerator and oven (warmer) that runs on both 12dc&120vac , for &75ish(3+yrs ago amazon) and it's been constantly running since . I use it as a small refrigerator upstairs (plugged into my LG battery gen.) absolutely great deal and most people use for in vehicles and camping.

[@user-ki3dj9pu9y]

I switched to all d cells for my power outage gear. Coleman makes a nice d cell lantern that will also run aa and charge usb devices. I found having everything run off one battery type really helps cut costs and keep everything simple

[@0annonymous]

One thing to pay attention to if using a battery powered fan is One thing to pay attention to if using a battery powered fan is to only run it on LOW In order to preserve battery and have that item running longer The HIGHER the speed, the MORE power consumption, but the LOWER the speed, the LESS the power consumption

[@Marsha-yl8wl]

Use olive oil or avocado oil...less likely flash fire if tipped over....less smoke too

[@tthappyrock368]

Some great ideas others haven't discussed!

[@johnpitre1295]

Lanterns work after 6 yrs Daily use & rechargn'

[@tinktink7736]

Thanks again for the video! I made a trashcan faraday cage, got me some rechargeable batteries and chargers all thanks to your videos. I also spent money on a 30 watt solar panel to recharge a small anker power bank and to recharge a few lights. Saving money to buy myself a little bigger power bank so I can run a fan or at the very least make some coffee if I lose power. I don’t function well without my coffee lol. Thanks again! Look forward to learning more and have Been binge watching your videos 🙂🦋

[@diypreppertv]

Thank you! I’m glad the videos have been helpful!

[@t0manderson571]

Get a single burner butane/ propane stove.

[@tinktink7736]

@@t0manderson571 thank you for the advice, I appreciate you. I did pick me up a dual fuel one burner stove 🙂

[@Ctobefree]

My concern is staying warm in winter with no fireplace

[@steffybael1245]

I BUY AA/AAA BATTERIES ON BLACK FRIDAY, WITH A 10 YEAR POWER WARRANTY. I ONCE HAD TO DRIVE MY TRUCK AROUND 10 MILES WITH NO HEADLIGHTS USING A FLASHLIGHT! a battery charger and deep cycle battery and inverter is your cheapest bet. living off grid in a camper for years is the best way to learn how to live during a power failure or grid down!!!

[@freespirit4162]

Check expiry Dates on Batteries

[@Gumby1978]

Great advice! Thanks JR

[@tangobayus]

Your car is a generator. Use heavy duty cables to charge AGM batteries.

[@Ctobefree]

What’s scary w the solar is I know with my solar light’s don’t get sun they don’t really give light. If and when Volcanoes blow we won’t have sun. Plus earthquakes that are building up.

[@LS-lb7pw]

Thank you, great info and resources. One thing is to also have multiple backup ways to cook food in an emergency. If you have prolonged outages like we have but good sun, we prefer solar and thermal cooking instead of using up our gas or wood fuel.

[@davidblanchard5252]

Thank you JR for your Survival informational series! Rechargeable batteries cost more but will pay for themselves. Flashlights, headlights , lanterns , radios , weather bands and even small TVs can be charged with solar panels. National Gas Carberators Conversion Kits Exist for day time ! Charges Solar for night!

[@diypreppertv]

Thanks for watching David!

[@webmastercaribou7570]

Powersmart 4k inverter generator. I believe that i paid around $325

[@joanofthemountains]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. Very helpful.

[@robertfitzgerald3432]

I'd read Solar Panels, the Panel itself is Not Affected by an EMP Burst?

[@DonaldHayes-sb6vz]

Has any peppers thought about using those outside solar lights that fit on a 4x4 post that is charged by the sun and will set on your table or cabinet because of the base and when it runs down overnight just set it back out in the sun for the next night....

[@greatcondor8678]

I bought a used craftsman 3.5kw generator so I'm good.

[@robinguertin574]

Thank you, JR.

[@MikeR505]

Battery bank that have solar panel built in

[@issamituk4365]

Nice video, thanks

[@diypreppertv]

You’re welcome!

[@ThailandAmazing]

Go to general dollar buy the cheap path lights. Solar charged. Pull your soldering gun out. Add wire to a led drill tiny hole in outside wall. Mount on outside wall remote light just inside wall. Free light that’s enough if you’re just going potty. You can elevate to more capacity and cheap

[@kathyputman5160]

Buy a solar powered battery bank.

[@0annonymous]

One thing you may want to experiment with is a pocket-sized solar power bank If you invest in a few of those and keep them charged, you may find that you can also charge them off of your home power if they don't get enough charge from the sun

[@jar407]

trouble with refrigerators is the daily defrost schedule ureses as much as the compressor . really shop for batteries like thay 12v the ups size battery work great can recharge fairly quick and now lipo4 are coming into the sla price .

[@johnpitre1295]

Subd & liked.....🍏

[@davidjones1393]

THKS

[@diypreppertv]

You’re welcome David! Thanks for watching!

[@viopsadmin]

Nice video, good info, you got a new sub. :)

[@eyesup9542]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@tomclyne3320]

Excellent informative video, thank you! Subscribed 👍

[@diypreppertv]

Thank you Tom!

[@MariaN-wf1jh]

HELLO GTSY

[@debraroser985]

Thank you.

[@MontanaJim419]

Thank you!

[@sjr7822]

Shared

[@funwithjellyandlou1065]

2 videos in a week again. Nice. You’re right about the fans! We use Makita tools and use their large battery job site fan at home…gale force wind! 😅

[@diypreppertv]

Yeah. The only thing I don’t like about the Milwaukee is the coverage area is a little small. However, places that do get air get a lot of it. Thanks for watching!