Alternate energy is critical to many off grid living environments. Here is a video that addresses solar power as a primary power source, that I agree with. Pretty good information, and he brings up that he uses a diesel generator to supplement his 5 kw solar array. 

This is worth watching:
https://www.corbettreport.com/solutionswatch-energy/

He states that it is "better to conserve a watt, than to make a watt"; which is good advice. Making wattage costs money in solar panels and associated electronics, and batteries. Saving or using "fewer watts" is a permanent savings, with relative lower costs. 

Where he misses on alternate energy, is not using wind as an adjunct power source for battery charge. He is using diesel generation to fill in for cloudy days. 

What I like better is combining solar with wind power. When it is cloudy, it is windy; so one offsets the other in charging sourcing. 

A caveott... I am not recommending this unit:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/392582849466
Image from listing above:
![IMG_20211125_234953498.jpg](https://images.hive.blog/DQmaaTTG7M2pVLzsFVaiv2AxbB3Sh2X2LuCwo3owPXbYHSF/IMG_20211125_234953498.jpg)
This is only used as an example.

This wind generator is rated at 1450 watts, but you will never get that from it. The rated wattage is only gained during a tornado, due to the wind speed used for the rated output. You need to research the average wing velocity in you area, and use that; combined with the power generation chart for you intended generator. This will give you the repeated actual power generation at you location for that specific generator. Higher blade count starts at a lower wind speed, generally speaking; and larger rotor diameter provides more power generation, again generally speaking. Vertical height is your friend, so pick a location that allows a high mounting.

On my homestead, this generator will make 600 watts using the average wind off of the lake. The safe planning number would be 500 watts. This generator will add 12000 watts each day to my battery bank, while my panels will add about 20000 watts a day.

I am figuring on 30000 watts a day or 30 kilo watt hours. Always estimate low, having too much power is not the problem that running out of power presents! 

I also notice that he is using a standard refrigerator. He knows it is a problem, because he mentions it in the video. This violates his own Tennant on using less so he can make less. There are refrigerators and freezers that run directly on battery voltage, and draw less than 70 watts when running. This means that they do not need an inverter to supply their cooling units, resulting in higher effeciency. The negative is that they cost twice as much for the initial purchase.

His experience is impressive, and I recommend this video. The idea of using a minimum amount of power is wise. My system will run 24 volts DC as a main bus power, and everything that can will run directly off of this main bus. This will include my lights, computer, fans, and refrigerator / freezer.

Keep in mind that we ALL have blind spots in our planning, and should be interested and receptive of constructive criticisms to improve our prepping planning!

Using multiple sources of power, will provide a more robust and reliable power system on your homestead. I plan to use a generator using HHO (Browne gas) for fuel as a third source of power, for higher reliability.