Discipline 04
Electricity & Lighting
Start Here: Your Blackout Power Budget
Volts, amps, watts and watt-hours in plain English — and how to work out what you actually need before choosing any method.
Beginner · 30 min · 10 steps
Field-TestedSolar Panel + Charge Controller + Battery System
The most useful long-term off-grid power: a small panel charging a battery that runs lights, phones and a fan for days.
Intermediate · 2–3 hours · 12 steps
Field-TestedUsing a Portable Power Station ("Solar Generator")
The safest plug-and-play option: a lithium battery box you charge from the wall, solar, or a car — and use indoors with no fumes.
Beginner · 20 min · 10 steps
ConditionalYour Car as a Generator (Battery + Inverter)
A running vehicle's alternator can safely supply 100–300 W to charge devices and run small loads — outdoors only.
Beginner · 15 min · 10 steps
ConditionalRunning a Gas Generator Safely
The most power per dollar — and the leading cause of carbon-monoxide deaths after storms. Here's how to do it right.
Intermediate · 30 min · 11 steps
Field-TestedHand-Crank Generators and Radios
Human power works when everything else fails — but honest numbers: a minute of cranking gives a few minutes of radio.
Beginner · 10 min · 9 steps
ConditionalBicycle Generator
Legs are 3–4× stronger than arms. A bike on a trainer stand can make 50–100 W for a fit adult.
Advanced · 3–4 hours to build · 10 steps
ConditionalSmall Wind Turbine
Works only where the wind is steady and strong — honest guidance on siting a 400 W turbine.
Advanced · 1–2 days · 10 steps
ConditionalMicro-Hydro From a Stream
If you have a year-round stream with a drop, water power runs 24/7 — often the best off-grid source of all.
Advanced · Weekend+ · 10 steps
ConditionalThermoelectric Generator on a Stove or Campfire
Heat in, electricity out — a stove-top fan or camp stove generator can charge a phone while you cook.
Intermediate · 30 min · 8 steps
ExperimentalScience Experiment: Lemon, Potato & Saltwater Batteries
Great for teaching kids how batteries work — but they will NOT charge a phone. Here's what they really do.
Beginner · 30 min · 9 steps
Field-TestedSafe Lighting Without the Grid
LEDs first, flame last. How to light a home for a week on a few batteries — and use candles and oil lamps safely if you must.
Beginner · 20 min · 10 steps
Myth/DangerousMyth Check: "Free Energy" Magnet Motors and Earth Batteries
Videos claim magnets or buried metal can power your house forever. Here's why they can't — and what to build instead.
Beginner · 10 min · 6 steps