This little shot of winter weather got me thinking back to the '07 ice storm. Being without power for 7 days was a bit of a wake up call, and although I didn't start prepping for another few years, that's really what got me started. At first I went through the "oh crap, I have to do everything right now!" phase, then I burned myself out a little bit, and now I've progressed to working on what I can do, as I can do it.
I installed a wood stove a few years back, and have thoroughly enjoyed staying toasty warm without cringing every time I heard the heater kick on, as well as knowing that won't change if the power gets knocked out again. I have a generator but I'd like the option to have lights, charge batteries and visit okshooters.com if the genny craps out or I just don't need enough power output to justify running it.
I'm pretty ignert about electricity, so right now I'm thinking about buying one or two of the Harbor Freight 45W kits just to get my feet wet, and going from there. Do any of ya'll have a solar system up and running right now? I'd appreciate any tips, advice, pics and what not.
I installed a wood stove a few years back, and have thoroughly enjoyed staying toasty warm without cringing every time I heard the heater kick on, as well as knowing that won't change if the power gets knocked out again. I have a generator but I'd like the option to have lights, charge batteries and visit okshooters.com if the genny craps out or I just don't need enough power output to justify running it.
I'm pretty ignert about electricity, so right now I'm thinking about buying one or two of the Harbor Freight 45W kits just to get my feet wet, and going from there. Do any of ya'll have a solar system up and running right now? I'd appreciate any tips, advice, pics and what not.