Looking for an emergency unit to handle power outages in CA

I am looking for an emergency backup in California, mostly to handle scheduled blackout during fire season (12-48hrs), maybe more with an earthquake.

I need system that can handle intermittent use to keep a tankless water heater, a modem, a laptop, and a refrigerator (on and off usage). I will be dragging the battery around the house a lot.

I purchased a Goal Zero Yeti 1400 (for $1500) and a Boulder 100 panel from REI a few month ago. The system seems overpriced and I may return it soon. The storage is overkill for camping. The wi-fi features don’t seem useful.

Any suggestions for alternatives?

Thanks

Cheap option that i have used before as a big UPS its some LV2424 hybrid inverters with a lifepo4 battery (Altough you can use other chemistries). You can program it to work without solar (AC charging) and only use the battery when mains fails.

Check one of latest wills videos, he makes a portable system with this setup, cheap and good performance.

ScottR said:

... looking for an emergency backup in California, mostly to handle scheduled blackout during fire season (12-48hrs), maybe more with an earthquake....

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Generator is the cheapest upfront solution. Preferably natural gas if you can get it so you don't have to truck in gas...but if they turn the gas off in the event of an earthquake that might not work for you.

Grid-tied Solar has a payback, so most economical - but... it won't provide power during an outage unless you've a hybrid inverter or AC Coupled solution and add batteries -- and the price of batteries typically kills it economically compared to a generator. Solar also has the economical advantage for multi-day outages while there's sunshine. So, for any sort of long duration must-have setup, generally batteries for a day and generator for sunless days is a good combo.

ScottR said:

...handle intermittent use to keep a tankless water heater, a modem, a laptop, and a refrigerator (on and off usage). ... Any suggestions for alternatives?

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To know you're getting what you need you'd need a power audit first, see this post for an example: https://diysolarforum.com/threads/help-please-miami-condo-hurricane-prep.8470/post-91675

I saw this video the other day it looked like a fun, simple, and very useful system. It might be the solution you are looking for. https://www.mobile-solarpower.com/diy-beginner-friendly-solar-generator.html

As the recent builder of a solar energy storage unit (solar generator) and the recent victim of a leaking water heater that required replacement, I have to say that solar powering an tankless electric water heater is going to be a tall order. Not impossible, mind you, but you’re going to have to be all-in on a pretty substantial wallet hit. Four days backup of that sort of amp draw during a time when overhead haze is going to be a problem is going to take a heck of a system.

If you can live with cold showers for a few days, satisfying the rest of your listed needs without the water heater would cost a lot (10s of thousands, likely) less. The energy audit @svetz references above will spell out the reasons for that. It’s the first stop for a smart person looking to the sun for power.

Tankless demand electric water heater is a peak current nightmare, even on 240 vac grid mains. Best approach for hot water is direct heating panels to reserve tank.

Sorry, I didn't make it clear. The tankless heater is gas. The ignition coil need to be powered. The house heater furnace is also pilotless (uses an ignition coli too).

and a few gallons of gas on hand. Or convert to propane, expensive up front, cheaper in the long run and more convenient. Regrettably, I live in a rather 'exclusive' town, where even a Honda does not pass the wife-acceptance-factor (even in a blackout), so to appease wife (and neighbors) I ended up buying 2 EGO Nexus 3K 'generators' and a bunch of batteries through various garden tool acquisitions. Ran my fridge and puters/phones fine through the latest 5 days without power (don't ask about hot showers...sore point even today, but since also resolved) using the Nexus and swapping dead-for-live batteries. Had to recharge a few via the Honda down at the park (away from home/neighbors/wife) but it worked a treat. Those are your easiest/cheapest options. imho.

fuzzmunky415 said:

Amazon.com : Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt 120-Volt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator : Garden & Outdoor

Amazon.com : Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt 120-Volt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator : Garden & Outdoor

www.amazon.com

even a Honda does not pass the wife-acceptance-factor

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Take away the central air cond outside unit that is likely louder then the Honda inverter generator and see how fast the wife's attitude changes.

RCinFLA said:

Take away the central air cond outside unit that is likely louder then the Honda inverter generator and see how fast the wife's attitude changes.

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Ha! You think we have A/C? Our A/C is opening the sliding doors on the deck. We do have a gas furnace, but we haven't used it in over 6 years. I have enough electronics going that the spare BTU's keep the place a comfy 65 most of the winter.