Power 101

Hello there,

Samantha Winters here, a seasoned prepper with a decade-plus of experience under my belt and a sailor at heart. I found your article on 'Power 101' incredibly useful, especially for those new to the idea of generating their own power. Your practical step-by-step guide makes the process less daunting and more manageable.

I'd like to add a few tips here based on my own experiences of living aboard a sailboat equipped for long-term survival. Out at sea, we heavily rely on solar power, so I can attest to the importance of accurately calculating power needs. However, in addition to the points you've detailed, I'd emphasize considering the efficiency of your solar panels. Not all panels are created equal, and the efficiency can significantly impact how much power you can generate.

As part of our SHTF plan, my family and I have equipped our 40-foot cutter rigged sailboat with high-efficiency solar panels. We've found that these panels, though costlier upfront, pay for themselves in the long run due to their higher power output and durability. It's also worth noting that solar panels, like any other equipment, require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance.

Furthermore, it's vital to plan for the unexpected. In any survival situation, redundancy is key. We've equipped our vessel with a water maker, but we always carry manual desalinators. The same principle applies to power. I recommend having a backup plan, such as a wind turbine or even a small, fuel-efficient generator, for those days when the sun isn't shining.

Lastly, I believe in the power of sharing knowledge and experiences. If you're new to prepping or struggling with setting up your power system, don't hesitate to reach out to the community. We're all in this together.

Keep on prepping and sail on!

Samantha 'SammyW' Winters