Charging the solar generator up from the wall
One thing I have learned in life that idealism needs to be balanced by practicality.
For example tonight there is going to be a major storm in NYC area. The weather said that due to strong winds a loss of power is possible. My solar generator is mostly full but I am going to charge it with the wall current so it will be completely full. Then if I lose power I am ready.
I have done this a few times before when there were storms or uncertain events. I never needed the power but I was prepared. At what point does preparation become too much? When it drives away your loved ones and consumes far more time than the risk it seeks to prevent.
Growing up I saw in magazines those bomb shelters that people built in the 50’s when they were afraid of nuclear war. How frightened they must have been. Every time in history has had frightening things happen. At what point do you invest that kind of capital to protect yourself? I am not sure I will ever have that kind of capital to invest in an emergency shelter. If I had money of course I would buy one but since I don’t I have to hope for the best.
The idealistic nature of positive people like myself says that things are often better than we perceive. The practical nature says that one screw up and the good times are gone. When I have prep I look at the data and the risks that research and studies say are likely to happen. I invest in the most likely risks and I am aware of the others. I think that most of us don’t have a good sense of risk including myself.
Does having a 1kw battery really help me? Yes/no. Yes it will provide me with lights and communication for a few days maybe a week if I don’t use the solar panel. No in that it could break and then I wouldn’t have anything. I have two solar generators and one solar panel. I should buy another panel to have the two of everything but I can’t afford that now. Would I be safer by having it? Sure, but I also need to have some money as emergency funds and that is in my opinion a higher priority right now than another solar panel. You have to think of the trade offs you make in life.
Intelligence is defined as the ability to adapt. Be flexible in life with standards and you will do ok.