Energy Supply

When getting started in prepping of course, the first thing to worry about is the storage of food. Along with this necessity, water and shelter comes next. However, an alternative energy supply should never be forgotten as refrigeration and cooking both requires energy.

Energy supply is almost a necessity in this electronic age. It helps to charge up devices or for things that use electricity, energy supply is important. For example, in extremes of chilled weather, to keep the surroundings warm with the help of an electric heater, energy supply is a must-have. Renewable energy sources are recommended to preppers usually, such as solar panels, wind and water turbines. They are among the best sources for the generation of energy.

While choosing the type of energy, one needs to be well-informed about the energy supplies that exist abundantly in the respective area. It is often recommended not to rely on any single source i.e. not to be solely wind dependent or entirely solar energy dependent, rather keeping a hybrid system is the safest of all.

The must-know topic among preppers is that of the renewable energy resources. When talking about power, first alternative energy source that comes to the mind is a generator obviously. Generators are relatively cheap and easily available. Most commonly used standby generators are good for short term use. They should not be counted on for a long term support because of a number of reasons. They need fuel like gasoline or diesel to work. Most generators use about 10 to 20 gallons of gasoline per day and if a person runs out of fuel, these generators fail to work. Many gasoline generators run off of electric supply or natural gas. For the fact that they rely on electricity or natural gas supply, even if one of these goes down, generators do not work at all.

Solar generators are the most sustainable energy source. Because the source of energy i.e. sunlight is free, it serves as the most reliable and cost effective renewable energy source. Lately the prices for solar systems have met inflation due to their increased demand, but overall costs if calculated are worth spending as they provide energy for life. Aforementioned reasons explain the pros and cons of standby and solar generators, therefore, encouraging the use of solar generators by preppers.

Among other renewable energy sources comes wind. This natural and powerful energy source helps make electricity if wind-electric system is installed. Wind generators are designed to generate electricity in this system. Hydro-power also falls in the category of natural energy sources. Water turbines are designed specially to generate power. However, the disadvantage of this system is that it is not portable. Gasifiers are an amazing invention and can be used as an energy supply, however it is non-renewable.

Survivalism is an act which displays self-sufficiency. Only by keeping all the alternatives in mind a prepper can make the right choice of the energy supply that suits the best for the unfortunate situation he meets. However, a survivalist must know how to set-up and operate all the alternatives for energy supply.