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"ping of possible interest...Using inverters for emergency power"

Thank you, Tainan. Sorry I'm late. [Medieval familyop cao taos and begs forgiveness.] ;-)

I agree with some who wrote that using inverters that plug into cigarette lighters might not be the best way to go for the aftermath of a weather disaster. Vehicles use much fuel, and high wattage inverters plugged into cigarette lighters could damage vehicles. A small generator would be a better way to go for that kind of setup. Then there are small PV solar plants.

There's the low cost Harbor Freight 45 watt "solar panel kit," which requires nearly no previous study (modules, controller--batteries and inverter not included). For those willing to learn more and build more powerful small systems, here are the names of a few low-cost components for a PV solar plant.

Kyocera KD140GX series 140 Watt, 12 Volt Solar Modules (12 volt, very efficient, very versatile, well built and shippable by UPS, if vendor will ship that way).

Morningstar SunSaver 15 Amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller (great for stand-alone installations of chest type DC freezers or refrigerators, e.g., the Sundanzer).

MidNite Classic Solar controllers for larger systems--greatest on earth for the cost, IMO.

Xantrex PROWatt SW series 600-2000 watt true sign wave inverters - very low cost and tough for small sign wave inverters. I've used one of those for over a couple of years. Found those by way of a tip from some yachting folks.

Study, study, study. Use the Net. It's well worth it and can be fun. For RV or non-RV home installations, learn basic electrical work--also very rewarding. Get a copy of the NEC (National Electrical Code, essential for home installations)--not all that hard, once you get the hang of it. And safety first! Memorize all of the safety stuff first, and practice it at every practical opportunity afterward.

Switch off and lock out circuits before touching anything. Read the extra precautions on PV solar modules (panels). They can cause deadly shocks. So can anything connected to them. 12-volt Batteries can also be dangerous without proper education and precautions. There's much around the Net about solar battery installation, care and precautions. Install disconnect switches for every component.

And remember: if the "end of the world" arrives (little humor there), the technically inclined will rule afterwards (serious about that part). So be kind to tinkering redneck neighbors with junk in their yards. Many of them are more skilled than most non-technically-inclined people realize. ;-)

[Disclaimer: I don't really have junk in my yard. Heh.]