A lot of people think that the only alternative when the power goes out is a generator, but it's not. The problem with a generator is that it is loud, gives off terrible exhaust fumes and is large and heavy. It also needs to be filled up with fuel. When the power goes out what you really need, is light and it would also be great to have your TV and decoder working as well. So considering that lights consume almost the least amount of power in your house it is easy to power lights, your TV and decoder with an inverter. You can also charge your cellphone and use your laptop and PC with an inverter.
The appliances in your house that consume the most power are, geyser, stove, fridge, iron, kettle and airconditioner. Unfortunately it's not that easy to power those items with an inverter.
So an inverter has a battery inside it. Batteries supply DC power but almost all the appliances in your home need AC power to work. So the inverter changes the DC power to AC and has a plug point on it so you plug an extension cable to it and power lights, the TV, decoder, cellphone charger and laptop or PC.
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| A Small Inverter |
It looks like a computer tower and stays plugged in to the power in your house all the time which is when it charges the battery. When the power goes out you plug in your extension cable and power your small electrical appliances. An inverter is also a lot cheaper than a generator which is another great reason to get one. It also doesn't require any involved installation so almost any adult can get it working. The problem is that not many people know about this technology and therefore it is not that popular in homes. If you have heard of a UPS to back-up power for PC's at workplaces then it is exactly the same technology. When the power goes out, the Inverter can give you power for lights, TV & decoder, cellphone and laptop etc for about 9 hours. This should be more than enough time till Eskom switches you on again.
I have attached a pic of an inverter and you can see that it can easily be stored in your home without looking or sounding like a Tractor on a farm which is what a generator is like.
If all else fails good old candles still work and can be quite romantic.
If you want any info or advice on solar power, inverters and saving power then send me an email to wes@ecr.co.za and I will try to answer your questions.
I hope this is of some help to you and goodluck with the power cuts
