We Are Plugged In To Life Support

330 Million People in the U.S. Are On Life Support

That life support is the electric grid. If somebody (or Mother Nature) unplugs us, we will not survive.

I had been meaning to do a review of my Sol-Ark 12K EMP hardened solar generator and Missouri Wind and Solar 2000-Watt Raptor G5 Freedom Wind Turbine Generator. But since I just went through the 2021 Texas Power Grid Collapse, I got a bit carried away. I actually had the opportunity to “Combat Test” the system in a real world emergency.

It is critical that every family and community have a plan – what will we do if somebody pulls the plug?

Here is the full presentation:

​[Note: Opinions expressed are my own and not necessarily those of groups I am affiliated with.]

I did this in 5 parts:

• Part 1: We are plugged into life support (Time 18:19)
• Part 2: Power Options (Time 10:52)
• Part 3: How to Get Started – Do Your Homework! (Time 7:13)
• Part 4: My system’s configuration and capabilities (Time 15:20)
• Part 5: “Combat Test” – 2021 Texas Blackout (Time 10:45)

(Scroll down if you wish to view one of the individual segments.)

Life Support Unplugged: More on the 2021 Texas Grid Collapse:

Texas Blackout: The Unacceptable Outcome of a Foreseeable Event

Components in my system:

• Sol-Ark 12K EMP Hardened system
• Trinasolar 320 Watt Panels
• Missouri Wind and Solar Raptor G5 Freedom Wind Turbine Generator
• Missouri Wind and Solar Dual Freedom II Wind & Solar Digital All in One Charge Controller
• Cape Cod Wind Speed Indicator

References:

• Tin Hat Ranch – The Ultimate Guide to DIY Off Grid Solar Power (Bar none, this is absolutely the best beginner solar video.)
• Engineer 775 (Lots of great Sol-Ark installs and other good preparedness videos. I am a huge fan of Scott Hunt!)
• Running A House From A Generator (If you decide to go with a gas generator.)
• U.S. Department of Energy Small Wind Guidebook
• Missouri Wind and Solar Where to Install a Wind Turbine (This is a must-see video if you are considering a wind turbine. Not everybody has a good location for wind – make sure you do before you spend money!)
• Top 7 Mistakes Newbies Make Going Solar
• Most common mistakes with small wind turbines
• What is “the grid” and how is it regulated?
• The Civil Defense Book: Emergency Preparedness for a Rural or Suburban Community

Individual Segments:

Part 1: We are plugged into life support

Part 2: Power Options

Part 3: How to Get Started – Do Your Homework!

Part 4: My system’s configuration and capabilities

Part 5: “Combat Test” – 2021 Texas Blackout