How I get my solar generators storm-ready fast

Solar power stations are increasingly common, used both to cut bills and to provide resilient backup during more frequent severe weather. But they can introduce risks in emergencies that owners should plan for. I’ve used solar generators for years, from portable setups in the field to larger systems that can power a home, and I’ve taken many courses in outdoor and urban emergency preparedness.

Start by knowing the likely emergencies where you live: tornadoes, thunderstorms, and flooding in the Midwest and Plains; hurricanes, tropical storms, and flooding in the Southeast and Gulf Coast; wildfires, droughts, and winter storms in the West; winter storms, blizzards, and occasional hurricanes in the Northeast; and coastal hazards such as hurricanes and storm surge.

The hazard changes the best approach. Understand the limitations of your equipment. Power stations contain many lithium-ion cells and can output large amounts of AC power; treat them like heavy-duty outlets.

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