During the recent floods many were without power for 3 or more days. Some are still without. Here are a few ideas you might like to implement depending on your budget.
Five levels of security
1/ Recharge your mobile: In-Car charger <$10.00 or small solar powered charger $40.00 http://www.multipoweredproducts.com.au/products/HYminiSolar-%252d-HYminiS.html
2/ Run a laptop from your car: Cigarette lighter inverter ~$80.00 http://www.excelsiorpower.com.au/prod175.htm
3/ Run a small 12 volt camping fridge: Solar panel (120w) http://stores.ebay.com.au/Bit-Deals, regulator and battery $800.00
4/ Keep your household fridge going: Solar array, regulator, battery bank, inverter
Solar panels (500w) $1500.00 http://www.lowenergydevelopments.com.au/products
Regulator (40 amp) $200.00 (available on ebay)
Battery bank (200 amp hour) $600.00 http://www.excelsiorpower.com.au/prod233.htm
800w pure sine wave inverter $200.00 http://stores.ebay.com.au/POWER-JACK-SHOPPING-CENTER
TOTAL COST $2,500.00
5/ Keep your house running with existing grid- solar system by adding a mini grid.
Add a generator change over switch $200.00
Extra solar panels (200w) $600.00 http://www.lowenergydevelopments.com.au/products
Battery bank (600 amp hour) $1,500.00
Regulator (20 amp) $100.00
800w pure sine wave inverter $200.00
TOTAL COST $2,600.00
Some alternatives:
1/ Buy a generator and use petrol or diesel which may not be available (use a changeover switch and connect up generator to house)
2/ Trade in your existing grid-interactive inverter for a Selectronics hybrid inverter http://www.sppro.com.au/ and battery bank for around $9-10k.
