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Original poster

Has anyone brought a power station?

61 replies

allgoneaway · 04/03/2022 21:59

After long power cuts from the storms the other week (and, of course, the threat of cyber attacks) we are looking at buying a good solar power station. Something like a Bluetti maybe. Has anyone brought one for prepping? Any recommendations or thoughts?

OP posts:
K9medic · 04/03/2022 22:19

I have one of those power stations that doubles as a car jump starter and has a compressor to inflate tires.

I have a solar pannel that helps keep it charged while we are camping.

CovidCorvid · 04/03/2022 22:22

Oh I thought you were thinking about buying Drax, Radcliffe on Soar or similar. 😂🙈

StarCat2020 · 04/03/2022 22:23

Oh I thought you were thinking about buying Drax, Radcliffe on Soar or similar
Me too

HeadacheGrey · 04/03/2022 22:33

Me three Grin

Original poster
allgoneaway · 04/03/2022 23:10

Grin Well, if it'll powers my coffee maker during a power cut that's all that matters!

OP posts:
Diversion · 04/03/2022 23:10

We have
Allpowers Portable Generator 288Wh Power Station Emergency Power Supply with DC/AC Inverter, PD Technology, Wireless Output, Charged by Solar Panel/Wall Outlet for Camping from Amazon. It has been great and we charge phones, laptop and run lights from it whilst camping. Jackery power stations have good reviews too and seem to be well reviewed on You Tube. Allpowers do have bigger power stations too, obviously you buy what you can afford, but we have been happy with ours. You can charge off the mains or with a solar panel.

bellinisurge · 05/03/2022 07:26

I'm planning to work without if I have to rather than pin my hopes on the feeble solar panels I can afford. A solar generator is out of my price range

SwissCheeseRentedChildren · 05/03/2022 07:32

I hear Sizewell B is on special offer. Get it now before Putin bombs it!

thedancingbear · 05/03/2022 07:36

@SwissCheeseRentedChildren

I hear Sizewell B is on special offer. Get it now before Putin bombs it!
I wouldn’t go for nuclear personally. Running costs are too high, and disposal of waste is a pain unless your local council runs an underground facility.

We’ve a small stream running through the bottom of our garden, so we have installed a small hydroelectric dam

Flickasmum · 05/03/2022 07:37

I do love these threads and the humour that goes with them ❤
I'm a joyless prepper. It's all survival rations but I do have books and a wind up radio!
And a small camping stove Smile

Original poster
allgoneaway · 05/03/2022 07:44

@SwissCheeseRentedChildren

I hear Sizewell B is on special offer. Get it now before Putin bombs it!
Grin I'm not local so might build my own and call it Sizewell C. How hard can it be?
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Original poster
allgoneaway · 05/03/2022 07:46

@thedancingbear hmm, hadn't thought about waste disposal. Could stick it in my garden waste bin and put some grass cuttings on top. They never check.

OP posts:
Original poster
allgoneaway · 05/03/2022 07:47

@Diversion that sounds really good thanks. I'll look at those.

OP posts:
CatsAndWheelchairs · 05/03/2022 07:48

I also had a bit of a leap with the title!

I have just bought 2 power stations - both Bluetti. A small one 500wh, and a large one 2000wh.

I haven't tried them yet, as they have just arrived, but I am really hoping they will help. We have had 2 power cuts already this year, the last one was over 8 hours and we have some medical equipment and a full fridge freezer that I would like to keep charged. As well as phones etc.
Having bought them, we probably won't have any more power cuts!

DoobryWhatsit · 05/03/2022 07:56

I'm very sceptical that anything solar would be able to power a coffee machine.

We've got a diesel generator, and that runs 4 sockets (of moderate usage- lights, fridge etc) for 8hrs on about 30l of diesel I think? Just to give an idea of the amount of energy that needs to go in!

Flickasmum · 05/03/2022 08:03

Thst would be a very expensive cup of coffee then 😅

CatsAndWheelchairs · 05/03/2022 08:06

"I'm very sceptical that anything solar would be able to power a coffee machine."

I agree. I decided not to get the solar panels for the Bluetti power stations I bought, as I can't imagine we would get enough sun to power them, especially if there's a storm that has caused a power cut. The Bluetti ones hold their charge for 3 to 6 months apparently, so I am hoping I can charge them, and then use them if needed. And they can charge from the car, but I'd prefer not to do that.

They aren't a longer term solution for power cuts, but hopefully can tie us over until the power is restored.

Original poster
allgoneaway · 05/03/2022 08:06

@DoobryWhatsit to be honest we just need it for recharging phones, lanterns, portable DVD players for the kids and electric throws/blankets for warmth (or fans in the summer). We have a camping stove for the all important coffee!

Thanks for the info on the petrol generator though. I didn't realise they took so much fuel. I know it's more powerful than solar but I don't want to be stockpiling petrol. I think I'll cross that idea off my list.

OP posts:
Original poster
allgoneaway · 05/03/2022 08:09

Thanks @CatsAndWheelchairs . May I ask why you brought two? Is the large one very heavy? I was planning on just getting one and taking it upstairs at night

OP posts:
axolotlfloof · 05/03/2022 08:09

Very sensible!

TwentyTOoo · 05/03/2022 08:10

Would a solar powered be any use though if the sun was blocked out ? Are there any alternatives to solar

CatsAndWheelchairs · 05/03/2022 08:13

@allgoneaway I bought 2, as we need the small one for upstairs for my DC with the medical equipment, and the large one for downstairs for the fridge/freezer and phones etc. The large one is really very big. It arrived yesterday and is still in the box as my DH is away for a week or so. I could barely move it out of the hallway!

gogohm · 05/03/2022 08:37

I have a camping stove, single burner hiking type ... not sure if we have any gas, must order cartridges in fact as going camping at end of the month (crazy dp). Solar is a great idea long term but you really need to do your homework, I have a guy coming to quote me to make my house greener

Flickasmum · 05/03/2022 08:48

OP, I have a wind up radio/torch/charger which can also be powered with a small solar panel or electricity. Its been in a drawer for 2 years and I've just tried it and it all still works

Libertybear80 · 05/03/2022 08:51

I thought for a minute you were one of Putins Oligarchs!

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