Having a solar powered home can be hugely beneficial in the event of an emergency involving the loss of electrical power. However, you don’t have to have a home equipped with solar panels to be able to use solar power in an emergency. Today there are all kinds of devices specifically designed to tap into the power of the sun in the event of a power outage or if you are away from home and camping. Here’s a brief look at some solar powered products worth considering for your emergency preparedness kit.
1. Solar Powered Cellphone Charger:
If your cellphone has ever died on you at an inopportune time, you know how important it is to keep it fully charged. Unfortunately, during a power outage or while camping that’s easier said than done—unless you have a solar charger. With a little shopping around, you’ll find a wide selection of solar cellphone chargers that are both compact and reasonably priced. To further optimize your ability to make calls should an emergency occur, make it a habit to charge your phone with the standard charger at regular intervals.
2. Solar Powered Backpack:
One of the best applications of practical solar technology can be found in the solar powered backpack. Along with all the functionality of traditional backpacks, solar powered backpacks can charge multiple handheld electronics and computers via USB or other included AC/DC adapters. And since backpacks are designed with ultra-portability in mind, you can keep your devices powered up just about anywhere you go camping.
3. Solar Oven or Sun Oven:
Utilizing the power of reflective technology to capture and multiply the sun’s radiant heat, sun ovens can be used to prepare foods in ways that traditional ovens cannot. In fact, many people prefer using sun ovens over conventional ovens in non-emergency situations. With the ability to bake, boil, steam, and even dehydrate food, sun ovens can be used to cook a variety of foods. Since they don’t require any additional power sources, including fossil fuels, they are environmentally friendly and allow you to prepare meals virtually anywhere there is sunlight. Those who intend to use sun ovens during power outages or while camping should try various recipes in advance to insure that meals are both practical and palatable. There are also solar cooking appliances that charge themselves during daylight hours to allow for cooking at night.
4. Solar Generator:
While many homeowners have opted for gas generators as backups during power outages, they are still fuel dependent and can be very dangerous if operated incorrectly. Solar powered generators are a much better small appliance and lighting solution for back-up power in an emergency. With the ability to keep the battery charged and ready for immediate use in the event of an emergency, you can use your solar generator to protect your food, operate lights, and power other small appliances and handheld devices.
5. Solar AAA and AA Battery Charger:
If you have rechargeable AA or AAA batteries, you can continue using them in an emergency with a solar powered battery charger. This can be a much more practical and affordable solution than using disposable batteries. You’ll also find hybrid chargers with internal batteries that can be charged either by conventional wall sockets in about 4 hours or via the sun’s rays in about 8 hours. Once charged, these devices can then be used to recharge batteries, cellphones, or other portable handheld devices anywhere at anytime.
6. Solar Lanterns:
Typically used for camping out, solar powered lanterns are handy to have during power outages. Along with the obvious benefits of illumination, solar lanterns will give you extra peace of mind—knowing that the light sources you’ll need at night are charging up during the day.
7. Solar Radio/Flashlight:
Flashlights and a radio are must haves for any emergency kit. This solar powered device gives you the best of both, without the batteries. Along with the ability to receive emergency broadcast transmissions and a variety of AM and FM stations, these useful units provide bright beams of steady light to illuminate surroundings, along with a flashing light and siren capabilities that can be used to warn or attract attention in acute emergencies. Most of these devices also come with back-up hand-crank generators for added safety.
About the Author: Doug Anderson is a freelance writer for Prepare Wise. Prepare Wise’s emergency food is perfect to store up on to prepare for emergencies.
