Harnessing Sunlight for Emergency Preparedness
In the realm of emergency preparedness, the power of the sun often goes untapped. While most preppers focus on stockpiling supplies and fortifying shelters, harnessing sunlight can be a game-changer in ensuring self-sufficiency during crises. Today I want to talk about harnessing sunlight for emergency preparedness.
Mark read an article yesterday in one of his business newsletters about the challenges in Texas with all the severe storms and power outages there. The article indicated that so far during January .6% of the power generated for their Texas power grid came from solar power. The wind side of power generation provided just shy of 7%. Close to 85% came from fossil fuels-based generation plants, with the remaining power coming from other sources like geothermal and hydroelectric plants. Our country has a long way to go to move from fossil fuel-based power generation.
Just remember solar only works on sunny days, it will not function on cloudy, rainy, or foggy days. I have seen people up on their roofs cleaning their solar panels and sweeping the snow off of them. Please hire professionals to do this, people do get hurt when they fall off a roof or ladder.
1. Solar Power: The Cornerstone of Sustainable Preparedness
Solar Panels for Energy Independence
Investing in solar panels is a crucial step toward achieving energy independence for families. These solar energy systems convert sunlight into electricity, providing a reliable power source for essential appliances. Preppers can opt for portable solar panels that can be easily transported or integrated into off-grid setups. Solar generators store excess energy for use during overcast days or nighttime. How To Use Solar To Boost Your Survival
Solar Water Heaters for Hygiene and Comfort
In emergency scenarios, access to hot water is often limited. Solar water heaters, powered by sunlight, offer a sustainable solution. These devices use solar heating energy to heat water for bathing, cooking, and sanitation. With a well-designed solar water heating system, preppers can ensure a steady warm water supply without relying on conventional energy sources. How To Make Heat In A Can For Hunting or Survival
2. Sun-Driven Food Production
Solar Dehydrators for Food Preservation
Preserving food is a top priority in emergency preparedness. Solar dehydrators are invaluable tools that use sunlight to remove moisture from fruits, vegetables, and herbs. This natural drying process extends the shelf life of food items, reducing dependency on electricity or traditional food preservation methods. 5 Incredible Food Preservation Methods
Sunlit Greenhouses for Year-Round Harvests
Creating a sunlit greenhouse is a proactive approach to sustainable food production. Preppers can cultivate fruits, vegetables, and herbs throughout the year, even in harsh weather conditions. Harnessing sunlight optimally within a greenhouse environment not only provides fresh produce but also fosters self-sufficiency in the face of potential food shortages. 10 Food Shortages You Need To Stock
3. Water Purification Through Solar Methods
Solar Water Distillers for Clean Drinking Water
Access to clean water is paramount in emergencies. Solar water distillers use sunlight to heat water, allowing the purification of contaminated or saltwater through the natural process of evaporation and condensation. The approaches to solar desalination are becoming a more efficient and cost-effective solution. This method ensures a steady supply of safe drinking water without relying on electricity or fuel. Safe Drinking Water in Emergency Preparedness
With the current challenges of water scarcity, being able to convert seawater to fresh water in any reasonable volume is exciting to contemplate. So many states have been suffering from drought. Even in states like California with a whole coastline of ocean resources, the key takeaways for solar desalination are exciting if made workable.
Solar Disinfection for Microbial Elimination
Harnessing sunlight for water disinfection is a straightforward yet effective method. Placing water in clear containers under direct sunlight for a specific duration can eliminate harmful microbes through the combined effects of ultraviolet solar radiation and heat. This low-tech approach is an excellent backup for water purification methods that may require consumable supplies. 50-Year Shelf Life Canned Water-Blue Can Pure Water
4. Sunlight as a Natural Security Measure
Solar-Powered Security Systems
Ensuring the safety of your prepper setup is paramount. Solar-powered security systems, including cameras and motion sensors, provide continuous surveillance without relying on conventional power sources. These systems can be strategically placed around your property, enhancing security and deterring potential threats during emergencies. 20 Ways to Step Up Security Measures Around Your Property
Even being able to charge your communication devices like smartphones, computers, and other electronics using solar panels provides the versatility and sustainability all preppers desire. Small solar panels like the ones from Goal Zero provide lightweight portability, convenience, and reliability. This form of backup power for home use generates key benefits like a lifeline to the outside world when things get tough, whether from a power outage or various natural disasters and does so with virtually no environmental impact and costly personal infrastructure costs.
Sunlight-Activated Alarms
Innovative preppers can explore sunlight-activated alarms that utilize solar sensors. These alarms trigger in response to changes in sunlight patterns, alerting preppers to potential intruders or disturbances. This natural security measure adds an extra layer of protection to your emergency preparedness strategy. Prepping Appropriately for Emergency Preparedness in Every Season
5. Sunlight for Mental Well-Being
Natural Light Therapy for Stress Relief
Emergencies can take a toll on mental well-being. Exposure to natural sunlight is known to boost mood and reduce stress. Incorporating outdoor spaces with ample sunlight into your prepper retreat can provide a sanctuary for relaxation and mental rejuvenation during challenging times. Relaxation Techniques for Preppers
Solar-Powered Entertainment
Maintaining a sense of normalcy during emergencies is vital. Solar-powered entertainment devices, such as radios, e-book readers, and even solar chargers for electronic devices, can keep preppers informed and entertained without relying on grid electricity. 13 Tips for Saving Money on Your Electric Bill
Energy storage is a challenge. The main solution has been batteries of all kinds. Solar power, an evolving renewable energy source, can provide long-term cost savings instead of battery storage. The key is having access to sunlight. A number of the items discussed today assume you live in an area with abundant sunlight.
More Tips
- How To Prep Your Sun Oven
- 10 Reasons Stockpiling Emergency Supplies Makes Sense
- Safe Drinking Water in Emergency Preparedness
Solar Items
Final Word
Harnessing the power of sunlight is not just an eco-friendly choice, it’s a strategic move towards sustainable and self-reliant emergency preparedness. From solar power to water purification and food production, incorporating sunlight into your prepper toolkit enhances resilience in uncertainty. Preppers can build a foundation for a brighter and more secure future by tapping into this renewable resource. May God Bless this World, Linda
Copyright Images: Sunshine Rays Depositphotos_239451000_S by DzmitRock87@gmail.com, Sunshine Sunbeams in the Forest Depositphotos_54333819_S by Kengoru
We had solar tubes put in both bathrooms with night lights, one put in our kitchen with a night light, one put in our great room with a dimmer, and solar attic fan. They come in two sizes depending on the size of the room. Last year we had a couple brown-outs, so we looked ahead, to get prepared.
Not only does it allow sun to come into the rooms, but it also brought our electric bill down. It was done by the Solar Guys.
Thank you for your columns.
Hi BJ Zinn, oh my gosh, I forgot to write about those. We had the same ones in our kitchen, they came in 2 sizes. We got the larger ones and put them in the kitchen, the hallway, and the garage. Best investment ever! I need to add those to the post. Thank you for the reminder. I just had eye surgery so I’ve been a little slow lately. Thank you, Linda
Don’t forget about cooking with sunlight – I use a SunOven, but there are a number of choices for cooking food just with sunlight. Works fine as long as there is enough light to cast a shadow.
HI dmWalsh, I totally love my Sun Oven. If you have sunshine you need to buy one. If you don’t have enough sunshine in the year, they are not worth it. Use a Dutch oven outside or whatever elesee you have to cook a meal. Linda
Obviously it’s not as useful in a location with limited sunshine, but even if you can only use it one out of three days it’s probably worth getting one as a backup cooking method. Since it uses no fuel, it allows folks to cook without using up potentially limited fuel stores, at least on days that are bright enough to cause shadows….
Hi DmWalsh, oh if someone can use a Sun Oven 1 out of 3 days I would recommend them getting a Sun Oven. I remember someone being critical of me years ago recommending people get one. They had purchased one and had to sell it because they rarely had enough sun to use it. In Southern Utah where we lived I believe we had 345 days of sunshine out of 365, not sure the exact number. I could only use it from about 10:00 to 3:00 each day or there was not enough sun to keep the temperature up. If people look up their own state they can decide if it’t worth it. I ended up buying a second one. Linda
Superb article, Linda. While I’m a huge fan of solar, I’m not a fan of roof mounted solar systems. Ours is ground mounted, so it’s easy to maintain without the danger of going up on the roof. Also, if you roof needs to be replaced you have the added expense of removing and re-installing your solar system. In addition to a Sun Oven, I’d add a solar powered well (if you can have a well).
Oh, and a Solar PV system will work any time there is enough brightness (even on a cloudy day) to cast a shadow. Same goes for solar water heaters.
HI Ray, thank you for your kind words, my friend. Oh, I like the ground mounted solar panels!! I Googled a Solar PV System, man things have come a long way! If there is anything small or big that is solar we would be wise to invest in it. Mark and I didn’t do the roof ones because we wouldn’t have lived long enough to reap the benefit because of the cost. I’m sure solar prices may have come down that was many many years ago. Great comment, LInda