Generator thoughts
Oct. 13th, 2025 05:19 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ceagleI theenks I'm on the verge of getting a generator :>
I've thought about Solar (about $6,000 for a complete DIY system, but even full sun is not guaranteed every day, especially in Winter)
Briefly looked into the Tesla Wall (about $8,000 after supposed credits, still seems to only power as long as a standard generator on a full tank of gas or propane)
Or a generator (about $450 + $16 for about 12 hours of gasoline according to online research, actual usage may vary)
Seems like the generator is the best option, at least most affordable.
Considerations: Mainly for the 150 watt Refrigerator and/or 700 watt Air Conditioning, but also to run the 90 to 150 watts of computing. Kinda boring just reading a book under candlelight sometimes). :>
I found that out last year, which was the first time the power company started getting prudish about power when there's the slightest hint of an increased breeze. This over-reactive mindset didn't exist before the recent tragedies of the Eaton Canyon fire and Pacific Palisades fire. Power was off for nearly three full weeks last year ;P
That's the most I've ever experienced. In the past, it might've been off for a few minutes or hours, but last year it was days, and DAYS at a time.
As I think I noted here, my best solution was to get an ice chest to keep from having to regularly discard refrigerator items. Still, can't save the freezer ones ;P
And ultimately the house is still dark, and can't use the computer. I did surf on the cel phone a bit, but that's kinda limited and inconvenient.
Pretty much all my neighbors have generators, so I guess it might be time to take the plunge.... considering the power has been switched off SEVERAL times already just this Fall. I even had to replace one of my surge-protector-battery-backup units (although it was probably due, but it looks like I'll rely on those even more to condition the power for use with the computer if using a generator).
Looks like I'll dive into a 3,500 watt one probably... the WEN model is rated well at about $450. I hope it's sturdy enough to last for some years outdoors, which is where a generator is supposed to be, right? :D
Better get some extension cords too...
I've thought about Solar (about $6,000 for a complete DIY system, but even full sun is not guaranteed every day, especially in Winter)
Briefly looked into the Tesla Wall (about $8,000 after supposed credits, still seems to only power as long as a standard generator on a full tank of gas or propane)
Or a generator (about $450 + $16 for about 12 hours of gasoline according to online research, actual usage may vary)
Seems like the generator is the best option, at least most affordable.
Considerations: Mainly for the 150 watt Refrigerator and/or 700 watt Air Conditioning, but also to run the 90 to 150 watts of computing. Kinda boring just reading a book under candlelight sometimes). :>
I found that out last year, which was the first time the power company started getting prudish about power when there's the slightest hint of an increased breeze. This over-reactive mindset didn't exist before the recent tragedies of the Eaton Canyon fire and Pacific Palisades fire. Power was off for nearly three full weeks last year ;P
That's the most I've ever experienced. In the past, it might've been off for a few minutes or hours, but last year it was days, and DAYS at a time.
As I think I noted here, my best solution was to get an ice chest to keep from having to regularly discard refrigerator items. Still, can't save the freezer ones ;P
And ultimately the house is still dark, and can't use the computer. I did surf on the cel phone a bit, but that's kinda limited and inconvenient.
Pretty much all my neighbors have generators, so I guess it might be time to take the plunge.... considering the power has been switched off SEVERAL times already just this Fall. I even had to replace one of my surge-protector-battery-backup units (although it was probably due, but it looks like I'll rely on those even more to condition the power for use with the computer if using a generator).
Looks like I'll dive into a 3,500 watt one probably... the WEN model is rated well at about $450. I hope it's sturdy enough to last for some years outdoors, which is where a generator is supposed to be, right? :D
Better get some extension cords too...
