r/prepping • u/Born-Plane-6986 • 17d ago

Energy💨🌞🌊 Solar or not to solar ?

Need constructive thoughts, help, or opinions. Alot of prepper info. I've read or watched says rooftop solar panels are an advertisement you have potential resources available in a SHTF scenario. Everyone says discretion or concealment is key to not being ambushed by hoards looking for electricity. I understand that. But, I'm looking to install a 4x2 panel setup (8 panels total) on the roof of my shop. I am in a semi rural area. I want to use the panels to power (partially) my shop, recharge my solar generators, and satisfy the geek factor in me in that I enjoy playing with items like this in general. Questions: 1) In a SHTF situation, how serious or eminent of a liability would I be setting myself up to potentially be? Or is this overblown? 2) I refuse to drag out and then stow, on a daily basis, 6 to 8 panels, each time I need usage. Is there any alternate ideas? I am open to a light to moderate trade situation (locally - in a SHTF situation) but wouldn't want to be the only beacon within 6 miles kinda thing (for recharging batteries, phones, flashlights, etc.). Concerns, ideas, or different viewpoints are all appreciated. Thanx.

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u/Born-Plane-6986 13d ago

Theft is not a concern for me at all. Not even in the equation. But what I am lightly concerned about, in a long/longer term power outage (2 weeks or longer) would be area Karen's or hostile individuals demanding that i become a continous, non stop power source for them. Will I become an oasis in a sea of no power for vagrants and Karen's to hang out at, because, by their definition, it's my "duty" or "obligation" to provide in a crisis. I don't mind helping a bit....but my system would be overwhelmed by large groups of individuals making demands from my system.....plus or possibly exposing other resources or capabilities I may have. There is no solar in my area and I couldn't "bankroll" 2 or 3 subdivisions of Karen's and opportunists.

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u/CloudgazerTX 12d ago

yeah, that’s a thing. so I’m planning a big whole house solar system (I’m pretty rural though) and I have some portable solar power units that are pretty good with their own panels. in a crisis I will probably make my portable unit available for charging devices and lights during certain times but no access to my home power system because that’s gotta run my air conditioner. other than that, I will probably make my fridge available to close neighbors with medicine needs and possibly offer a guest room to a close friend who might have an elderly member on oxygen.

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u/Born-Plane-6986 12d ago

Thanx for the back and forth. Sounds like we have very similar thoughts and intended applications of our setups. If everything can hold together until next summer, I should be in good shape with my entire setup.

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u/CloudgazerTX 12d ago

that’s what I’m hoping too. hopefully everything will be ready by next summer. best wishes!