If you're running a business that absolutely must operate even during the worst conditions, or if you want your home to be ready for any problem up to the destruction of the home itself, you'll need a set of backup power solutions. There are a lot of options around there, ranging from diesel generators to solar panels that can help you in different situations. By understanding a few of these options and how they can work for you, you can prepare for the next disaster and even the problem that might ruin your preparation.

Fueled Generators Are Powerful, But Maintenance-Heavy

When disaster strikes and there's no electricity coming from the city or rural sources, you'll need to generate your own. If you need a fast, strong burst of power to turn on industrial systems or emergency services, fuel-using generators may be your best choice.

There are generators that use commonly available fuels such as gasoline or diesel, although diesel is more common for the long-term, heavy duty generators. You'll get the power you need as long as you have the fuel in storage, which can be costly if you need to replace aging fuel stores if fuel isn't used before the shelf life (expiration date) of that specific fuel mixture.

Fuel fumes can become a breathing hazard, so make sure that the area around the generator is well-ventilated and that the fuel burner has an installed set of smoke stacks. If you're environmentally conscious, be sure to monitor your fuel consumption and review different fuel types for alternatives that may not pollute the air as much. Although there are safer fuels such as ethanol-mixed fossil fuels, they may be more expensive.

Solar Panels And Battery Systems

Solar panels can be an expensive initial investment, but they have a lot of versatile benefits.

The flat devices can be added onto the roof of your building, into a field that has the best view of the sun or any convenient location that can get enough sun. During the day, solar panels can absorb sunlight and power your devices as necessary.

Solar panels are commercially called photovoltaic cells, and can be attached to photovoltaic storage systems. These systems are made out of batteries and converters that can turn sunlight into safe, regulated energy that can be managed a bit better than going straight from the panel to your electrical systems.

Although a quality solar panel is important for absorbing as much light as possible, you'll need to test your batteries and their connection to your building. If the batteries are not storing power long enough or are losing too much power when not in use to be worth the cost, you may need an electrician to search for the energy leak.

Contact an electrician to begin planning your solar panel, fueled generator, or other power source installation. To talk to a local electrician, contact a company such as such as Cole Electric Inc.