The Anti grid

Tag: solar

  • The Top 5 Light Sources to Keep in Your Home During a Power Outage (That Actually Work)

    August 6th 2024 there was a tornado outbreak in Cleveland Ohio. The one that affected a good friend of mine was an EF1. It took out power. My friend was without power for 5 days. All of his food spoiled. He was completely unprepared with the exception of 1 battery powered lantern that allowed him to charge his phone and see where he was going.

    Here are the products he wished he had:

    With these products he would have been almost been unaffected. The only effect would have been getting these items out and plugging things in.

    Why I recommend these products:

    I recommend the solar powered lantern because they are designed to light rooms in power outages, you won’t need to buy expensive batteries, and brightness is often adjustable.

    I recommend the E-SHIDAI solar flashlight for it’s brightness and versatility, 2 charging options, light weight design, phone charging ability, and charging indicator.

    I recommend the EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator DELTA2 with 220W Solar Panel, LFP(LiFePO4) Battery for it’s fast charge time, it boasts an 1800 watt AC output which is enough to power a refrigerator (no more spoiled food!), 15 outlets!

    I recommend the Anker SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station for it’s super fast charge time, it will fully charge in just 58 minutes with wall charging. with a 600 watt solar panel it will charge in 1.8 hours. It boasts an 1800 watt output, 11 versatile ports can power 99% of appliances or devices. This one can power your TV, a household lamp, your internet modem, charge your phone, laptop, tablet and iPad.

    I recommend the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station,1070Wh LiFePO4 Battery for it’s compact design, 1500 watt output, It boasts that it can power an AC unit keeping you cool and comfortable, strong enough to power a household vacuum allowing you to keep allergens and sneezing away. it’s light weight at just 23.8lbs making it portable, it can be moved from room to room as needed.

    Final thoughts

    The power grid is notoriously unreliable make sure you’re not caught off guard.

    It only takes one long night in the dark to realize how important light is for safety and comfort. The above options are are affordable, reliable, and easy to store-so you’re ready when the lights go out.

    Pro tip: stock extras and rotate rechargeable ones to make sure they’re always ready.

    .

    This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!

  • The Rising Cost of Electricity: How to Lower Your Bill and Take Back Control

    The Rising Cost of Electricity: How to Lower Your Bill and Take Back Control

    It’s no secret that the cost of electricity has steadily increased over the years. In 1965, the average cost per kilowatt-hour was just 2.5 cents, and the typical monthly electric bill hovered around $25-$30.

    Today, we’re paying 7-18 cents per kilowatt-hour, with monthly bills commonly reaching $120 to $160 or more. That’s over three times the cost from just a few decades ago.

    Meanwhile, electric companies continue to report record profits. Is that fair to consumers who have no say in the rates we’re forced to pay?

    The Hidden Cost of Vampire Appliances

    “Vampire appliances” are devices that quietly suck energy even when turned off. These include:

    • Microwaves with digital clocks
    • Coffee makers with always-on displays
    • TVs that stay in standby mode
    • Game consoles and smart home devices

    the below solar powered generator can power these devices.

    These hidden drains on your power can add up quickly. A good first step is unplugging them when not in use or using smart plugs and power strips to control their power flow.

    Flip the Breakers, Slash the Bill

    Here’s a bold, often overlooked strategy: turn off circuit breakers to unused rooms or areas when you’re not home. This can help eliminate standby power usage entirely.

    The less power you let flow unnecessarily, the more money stays in your wallet.

    Solar Generators: A smarter investment

    If you’re tired of monthly bills climbing higher, solar-powered generators and power banks offer a powerful alternative.

    • Average yearly electric bill: $140/month x 12=1,680
    • mid-range solar generator set up: $1,200-$1,600
    • payback period 12-18 months.
    • Higher-end systems pay for themselves in 3-4 years

    Plus, they add energy security during blackouts and outages-something utility companies can’t guarantee.

    Take Back Your Power

    The choice is clear: Keep paying increasing rates, or make a one time investment in energy independence.

    Why pay $120+ every month when you can pay $15-$20/month or less using smart strategies and solar solutions?

    Make the Switch Today

    don’t let the utility companies bleed you dry. It’s time to fight back.

    Start by identifying vampire appliances, flipping your breakers, and investing in a solar generator or power bank that fits your budget.

    Take control of your energy. Take control of your money.

    Follow my blog for:

    • energy saving tips to lower your electric bill
    • Reviews of affordable solar power solutions
    • Recommended solar solutions as I try them myself
    • Alternative lighting solutions

    this post contains affiliate links. If you buy through these links, I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

  • The secret utility companies don’t want you to know

    The secret utility companies don’t want you to know

    Utility disconnection

    Anyone who’s ever had a utility disconnection has no doubt received the the ” Attention Occupants!” paper telling them their service has been disconnected. That paper will typically give a phone number to call and an amount required to restore service.

    The scare tactic

      If you look at the bottom of that paper it say something along the lines of “do not use candles or generators to light or heat your home.”  It will go on to say candles can cause a fire and generators can create dangerous fumes.

    The secret

     What they don’t tell you is gas powered generators are dangerous only if used indoors. They don’t tell you that solar powered generators and portable power banks (also solar powered) are perfectly safe and can provide most if not all of your electricity needs.

    Utility companies will not tell you about the solar powered options because they can not make money from you. They want you to continue to pay high utility bills, restoration fees, and deposits. They don’t want this information to get out because they know they have a lot of angry customers who will utilize the solar powered options instead of using grid power.

    The effect

    If enough of their customers switch to the solar powered options the utility companies will either go bankrupt or be forced to lower the cost of electricity to the remaining customers and they know it. 

    supply, demand, and the middleman

    The electric company is just a middle man between the supply (electricity) and the demand (you). They are a business like any other but the difference is they think very few of us have another option. That might be true if you’re thinking solar panels on your roof, not everyone can afford that, but there are other options for those of us who can’t afford the full solar panels on the roof option or living arrangements (apartments, condos, townhomes where the HOA runs the show) prevent it.

    Look for my next post to learn about the more affordable options and how to decide which ones are right for you.

    leave a comment below and tell me your utility disconnection or high energy bill horror story.