Build a 24x7 Self-Reliant Backup Power System at Home
A practical plan to build it
On November 19, 2024, an unexpected “bomb cyclone” storm swept through the Seattle area, causing an unprecedented power outage that affected nearly 80% of residents in the Puget Sound region — home to tech giants Microsoft and Amazon. While the lights remained on in Seattle and Bellevue, a stark contrast was visible from the darkened east side uphill, where 80% of the surrounding areas, including my own home, were plunged into darkness.
However, the lack of electricity was not an insurmountable challenge. I made a trip to Costco and purchased a pack of AA batteries. With these, I utilized my child’s electronic toy kit’s battery case to construct two AA battery-powered LED lights. These innovative makeshift lamps provided us with illumination for three nights, eliminating the need for candles. Candles, while a common go-to during power outages, can pose a safety risk and do not provide sufficient light, especially with children running and playing around the house.
While we still had access to hot water and gas, making daily life relatively manageable, my 24x7 server racks were entirely offline. After the power was restored, I decided to create a reliable backup power system. This system would keep my servers and internet operational for at least several…
