šØ Blackout Scenario: In a large-scale, prolonged power outage
most households are without energy after 24-48 hours.
Preparation is crucial!
1. Priorities During Power Outage
- Communication (Charge phone, radios)
- Lighting (Safety in the dark)
- Warmth (Winter: heating)
- Food (Cooking, refrigerator)
- Information (Radio, news)
2. Energy Sources Comparison
| Source | Capacity | Runtime | Cost | Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Bank | 20,000mAh | 5-10 charges | 20-50ā¬ | + Mobile, quiet / - Limited capacity |
| Solar Panel | 100W | Unlimited (with sun) | 100-300ā¬ | + Unlimited / - Weather dependent, daytime only |
| Gasoline Generator | 1-3kW | 8-12h/tank | 300-1000ā¬ | + Powerful / - Loud, gas fumes, maintenance |
| Dynamo/Hand Crank | 5-20W | Unlimited | 10-50ā¬ | + Always available / - Very exhausting, low power |
| Car Battery | 12V/50Ah | 10-20h (low load) | 80-150ā¬ | + Quiet, available / - Deep discharge damaging |
| Candles/Lamps | - | 8-40h | 5-20ā¬ | + Simple, warm light / - Fire hazard, no electricity |
3. Solar Setup for Beginners
Recommended Basic Set:
- Foldable solar panel 100W (approx. 120-200ā¬)
- Solar charge controller (PWM, 10A, approx. 15-30ā¬)
- Lead-gel or LiFePO4 battery 100Ah (approx. 100-300ā¬)
- Inverter 300-500W pure sine (approx. 50-100ā¬)
Total Cost: approx. 300-600ā¬ for a basic off-grid system.
š” Tip: A 100W panel produces approx. 300-500Wh per day in Germany
(depending on season). That's enough for phone charging, LED lights, and a small refrigerator.
4. Car Battery as Emergency Power Source
Warning: Standard car batteries are not suitable for deep discharge! Use lead-gel or LiFePO4 batteries.
Connection:
- Car socket (12V) ā Inverter (230V)
- Or directly: 12V LED lights, 12V cooler, 12V chargers
- Never run empty! Keep at least 50% capacity
5. Saving Power in Emergency
- LED instead of bulb: 90% less electricity
- Phone in airplane mode: 50% less consumption
- Refrigerator: Only open when necessary, seal door with towel
- Heat: Multiple clothing layers instead of heating
- Cooking: Gas stove or camping stove instead of electric stove
6. Checklist: Emergency Power
- ā Power bank 20,000mAh (at least 2 pieces)
- ā Solar charger for phone (10-20W panel)
- ā LED flashlight + spare batteries
- ā Candles/storm candles (20+ pieces)
- ā Battery radio (crank radio ideal)
- ā Car battery + cables + fuses
- ā Inverter 12Vā230V (300W)
- ā Gas stove + cartridges (for cooking)
- ā Wool blankets/sleeping bags (for warmth)