Inexpensive Power Backup Systems

Inexpensive Alternative Power Backup for Extended Emergencies

Imagine a power outage that lasts days—or even weeks. No lights, no way to charge your phone, and your refrigerator full of food slowly warming up. High-end generators are great, but what if you're on a budget? Fortunately, there are affordable backup power solutions to keep essential devices running.

Here’s a breakdown of cost-effective power backup options, with links to where you can get them. (I do earn a commission if you use these links, but my goal is to help you find the right power solution for emergencies.)

1. Portable Solar Panels & Power Banks

Small, foldable solar panels paired with power banks can keep phones, radios, and small appliances running. These are great for short-term power needs and are easy to store.

Portable solar panels paired with power banks can harness solar energy to keep small devices operational.

Some options:

• Hiluckey Outdoor Portable Solar Charger (Amazon link): This solar power bank offers 25,000mAh capacity with four foldable solar panels, suitable for charging smartphones and small devices.
• Renogy 30W Portable Solar Panel (Amazon link): A compact panel ideal for charging small devices like phones or radios.
• Anker SOLIX C300 Portable Power Station (Amazon link): A reliable power station that can be charged via plugging it in, or by solar panels, suitable for powering multiple devices (Solar panels sold separately, approx $500 with the panels).

2. DIY Battery Bank with an Inverter

For a more powerful DIY option, use a deep-cycle marine battery with an inverter. This setup can run small fans, laptops, LED lights, and even CPAP machines (with careful power management).

To extend its life, recharge the battery using a car alternator or a small solar panel.

Here’s what you'll need:

• Vmaxtanks 12V 125Ah AGM Deep Cycle Battery (Amazon link): A durable battery suitable for power storage.  
• BESTEK 500W Power Inverter (Amazon link): Converts DC power from the battery into AC power for household devices. 

3. Hand-Crank & Pedal Generators

No sun? No problem. Hand-crank and pedal-powered generators provide electricity manually, though they require effort.

Top Picks:

• HUABAN Hand Crank Generator (Amazon link): A portable generator capable of producing up to 30W, suitable for charging small devices. 
• K-TOR Power Box 50 pedal Crank Generator (Amazon link): A pedal-powered generator producing up to 50W, ideal for charging larger devices.

4. Propane or Butane Stoves with Thermoelectric Generators

Some camping stoves can generate electricity while cooking! These are great for off-grid living or emergency situations. Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) convert heat into electricity. 

Recommended:

• BioLite CampStove 2+ (Amazon link). This stove converts heat into electricity, allowing you to cook meals and charge devices simultaneously. Check out this product on Amazon here. 

5. Car Power as a Backup

Your vehicle can be a temporary generator. A 12V car power inverter can be plugged into the cigarette lighter or directly to the battery to power small electronics.

Idling a car for 15-30 minutes can recharge devices.

Use caution to avoid draining the car battery.

Check this out:

• BESTEK 300W Power Inverter (Amazon link): This inverter connects to your car's cigarette lighter, providing AC outlets and USB ports for charging devices. 

6. DIY Wind Power

If you live in a windy area, a small wind turbine can harness wind energy to generate power over time. DIY kits are available, but they require some setup.

Some choices:

• Pikasola 400W Wind Turbine Generator Kit (Amazon link): A compact wind turbine suitable for DIY installations.
• Pikasola wind turbine and solar panel kit combo (Amazon link)

7. Rechargeable & Hand-Crank Lanterns

Battery-free lighting is essential during an outage. Solar and hand-crank lanterns ensure you always have light.

Great picks:

• Solar Hand-crank Camping Lantern (Amazon link): A solar rechargeable lantern with a hand-crank feature, ensuring light when needed. 
• Goal Zero Crush Light Solar Powered Lantern (Amazon link): A collapsible, solar-powered lantern that's lightweight and portable. 

8. Solar Generator power backup - Full house backup

Need a system that can run your refrigerator, freezer, and more? Solar generators offer reliable whole-house solutions without breaking the bank. Their power is impressive and can be charged by the sun while also in use. 

Best options:

• Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus can power an off-grid house 
• Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro - great for refrigerators, freezers and other appliances, just plug them in.

💡 TIP: As of now, applying rebates and tax savings could reduce the Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro from $4,000 to around $1,360—making it one of the most budget-friendly whole-home backup solutions! 

Gasoline powered generators are not included in this list because they require gasoline. Gasoline doesn't store very well, and if the power is out chances are the gas pumps are not going to work. If you store gasoline you may want to keep it for vehicles, chainsaws, or other equipment that may be needed during an emergency instead of using it to power a generator when you have other reliable options such as solar generators. 

Final Thoughts

There are a lot of budget friendly options when it comes to power. The question simply becomes what do you want your backup power to be able to do? While high-end generators offer comprehensive solutions, combining these budget-friendly alternatives can effectively address essential power needs during extended outages. Diversifying your backup power sources ensures resilience in various situations.

*Note: Prices are approximate and subject to change. Always verify current prices and availability before making a purchase.*

To help you choose between solar or gas generators check out this article.