I have three different emergency power systems.
They're listed below.
However, the one I use most often is one of the Wen 56200i's at the link below.
It's 1600 Watts is sufficient for most things.
You can carry it around like a 'heavy' suitcase. Even pick it up, and put it in the trunk of your car.
My wife can even carry it. (Not that she likes to.
)
You wouldn't want to walk a mile with it, but for short distances, it's great.
I use it far more often than I thought I ever would.
I have an electric pole pruner, hedge trimmer, etc. and the Wen (at about half the price of a Honda) was a great investment.
I liked it enough that I got a second one to double the power.
If I had no worries about getting gasoline during widespread power outages, I wouldn't even bother with the batteries and solar panels.
The big generator and the batteries, inverters, and solar panels just get tested a few times a year to make sure everything is in good shape.
I have several long extension cords on reels.
They're connected in the center of their lengths to the reels so it only takes half as long to wind them up.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bayco-100-ft-4-Outlet-Plastic-Cord-Organizer/1214695
Rich
I have three different levels of emergency power.
A Generac 7500 watt generator that will run the water heater with 240 volt output and a lot more
Two of these: (around $420 each)
WEN 56200i, 1600 Running Watts/2000 Starting Watts, 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SMNLF4M/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Along with one of these to connect the two WEN 56200i Inverter Generators to give 3200 running watts:
WEN 56421 Parallel Connection Kit for Inverter Generators
https://www.amazon.com/WEN-56421-Pa...rd_wg=NnKZx&psc=1&refRID=KJ21T826GTXD8FTCND04
And last, I have six golf car batteries with 6 x 100 Watt Renogy 12 Volts Monocrystalline solar panels.
Four of them feed a Xantrex 2000 Watt pure sinewave inverter.
Two feed a Xantrex 1000 Watt pure sinewave inverter.
The golf car batteries are 6 Volts so you need to use them in PAIRS.
I have them continuously connected to a Battery Tender charger.
But, you MUST check the electrolyte level frequently because it will dissipate over time.
The golf car batteries are Duracell ECG2 and available at Sam’s Club etc. for around $115 x 2 = $230
Their 20 amp hour rate is 230 amps.
If kept in good condition, they’ll deliver 25 amps for a little more than seven hours and also 110 VAC with an inverter of your choice.
Duracell® Golf Car Battery - Group Size 230 - Sam's Club