We already have a grid-intertie solar system. It is possible to have such a system, and also have a battery backup - you just have to have an inverter that will handle both functions. We don't have that setup yet, because when we installed our solar system 10 years ago, the "dual" inverters were far less efficient than the grid inverters. That's something we will look into when we expand our system.

Mike,

We actually make a product that can help. PM if you want details.

Some designs can also feed the grid with excess power. Our design can, but only after the batteries are full.

So you just need to stock up on beer then.

My sister's well runs on solar. Fills the tank during the day, can run off gravity at night if needed.

30+ years ago...a commonly heard mantra -
"In the event of SHTF...if one person has a safe full of gold & the other person has a .357, one of them will walk away with both."

Lead is a very precious metal...It is what you will need.

i have nothing but ammo and rifles, my neighbors have everything else, and they have no guns!

It is funny how a few hours without electricity some of you think it is going to be just like the zombie apocalypse.

No doubt someday the hackers will cause a utility shutdown in some area. I guess some areas back east might have a very widespread area affected.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northeast_blackout_of_2003

The great blackout in 2003 was just a few hours for the majority. I doubt anyone died of hunger or thirst in that one.

We have had two big ice storms this winter. Some parts of the metro area lost power for a few weeks. That sucks for them, but the vast majority of the city was fine. They could get in a car and go somewhere warm and safe with ease.

I really do understand some level of preparation. We have plenty of drinking water on hand and just the food in the pantry would keep us alive for weeks. The apocalypse is about as likely as peace in the mid east.

I am only prepping for two scenarios: earthquake or fire, with one of two outcomes: shelter in place or evac.

I live in a condo so power options are limited. I also don't have a cooking option. We'll have to stick with whatever bars or chips or fruit is on hand. I do have a few gallons of water, some water purification tablets, bleach, LifeStraw... Water is life after all.

And yes, guns & ammo.

I know where all the silver is !
I will just raid William Devane's house. LOL
But in truth- in a severe tragedy silver and gold will have no value unless you have the power behind it to back the trade,or you just lose.

In a "severe tragedy", that lasts for weeks +, fuel, ammo, and food/water will be the currency. I would stock up on all of it for any eventuality.

Gold and Silver better be accompanied by guns and ammo, because the ZOMBIES (unprepared, and desparate city dwellers) won't care about trading fairly.