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Power for phone, radio and lamps: power bank, energy plan, solar and generator compared

How do I keep small devices running during a longer power outage?

Pre-charged power banks (and the car as a charging station, outdoors only), an energy plan with a fixed reserve, small solar panels and a generator compared. Capacity, charging and run-time figures are deliberately not given – they depend on device, battery age, weather and temperature.

Starting situation
Legend
Select methods to compare side by sideMethodWithout CO or special fire riskIndependent of the weatherLasts for many daysLow costSafe without expert knowledgeAlso for larger loads
Keeping phones charged during a power outagePartlyYesPartlyYesYesNo
Energy plan for emergency communication: batteries, cold, reserveYesYesPartlyYesYesNo
Solar chargers: realistic expectationsYesNoYesPartlyYesNo
Using generators safelyNoYesDependsNoNoYes

Legend:● Yes◐ Partly◇ Depends○ No* = note available

Keeping phones charged during a power outage

Effort:
Low if prepared
Needs:
Pre-charged power banks, charging cables, possibly a car charger
  • Without CO or special fire riskPartly

    Power banks are unproblematic while undamaged. Run the car only outdoors – never in a garage.

  • Independent of the weatherYes
  • Lasts for many daysPartly

    Stored energy is finite; the car needs fuel.

  • Low costYes
  • Safe without expert knowledgeYes
  • Also for larger loadsNo
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Energy plan for emergency communication: batteries, cold, reserve

Effort:
Low, needs discipline
Needs:
Full batteries at the start, a fixed emergency reserve, power-saving mode
  • Without CO or special fire riskYes
  • Independent of the weatherYes
  • Lasts for many daysPartly

    Extends run time considerably but generates no energy.

  • Low costYes
  • Safe without expert knowledgeYes
  • Also for larger loadsNo
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Solar chargers: realistic expectations

Effort:
Moderate – aiming, supervising
Needs:
Small solar panel, power bank as a buffer, secure mounting
  • Without CO or special fire riskYes

    Keep the phone and power bank in the shade while charging – only the panel in the sun.

  • Independent of the weatherNo

    Clouds, shade, low sun and window glass greatly reduce output.

  • Lasts for many daysYes

    Usable for weeks as long as the sun shines – slowly.

  • Low costPartly
  • Safe without expert knowledgeYes

    Applies to small portable panels; permanently installed systems belong in professional hands.

  • Also for larger loadsNo

    Small panels are realistically enough for small devices.

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Using generators safely

Effort:
High – placement, fuel, maintenance
Needs:
Generator, safe fuel storage, space outdoors far from windows and doors
  • Without CO or special fire riskNo

    Danger to life from carbon monoxide if placed wrongly; outdoors only, far from openings – including the neighbours'.

  • Independent of the weatherYes

    Runs independently of the sun but needs protection from wet as the manufacturer specifies.

  • Lasts for many daysDepends

    Depends on the fuel supply and its safe storage.

  • Low costNo
  • Safe without expert knowledgeNo

    Never feed into a socket or household wiring; house connection only via a transfer switch installed by a qualified electrician.

  • Also for larger loadsYes
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