On Thu, 10 Apr 2008 06:12:02 -0700 (PDT), Phil
wrote:

Most of the potential problems in doing this, as highlighted on this
thread, are to do with needing 240VAC.

If you can get by with 12vdc you reduce the cost & complexity
manifold. Genset / Photovoltaics would recharge your battery bank.

Think about it - LCD televisions that use an external 'brick' PSU are
often 12vdc, as are a lot of consumer appliances. Lighting would be a
doddle with LEDs.

Lighting is no problem with 12V (though you'll probably have to DIY if
you want LED lighting), but if you look at the output voltage of all
the "bricks" you have, ITYF that the voltages vary greatly from 5V to
24V or even higher. A 12V "brick" is one of the most common, but I'd
be surprised if as many as half of the ones you have are at that
voltage. OTOH low power 12V invertors are cheap enough that you could
buy one for each item that uses a "brick" PSU.

What will catch you out are fridge/freezers, washing machines & the
like.

Yup, and they need a very sizable invertor. Don't go by their rated
power consumption - with many appliances it is the switch-on surge
current required that limits them to needing a *big* invertor. Vacuum
cleaners are also big-power items.

You can buy 12V fridges, freezers and microwave ovens for boats and
caravans, but they are a heck of a price! Small 12V kettles are also
available. You can buy PC PSUs that run from 12V - again many times
the price of the equivalent mains units.

You can also get gas and paraffin fridges and freezers, which would
probably be better than running from 12V.

The battery for a house would probably have to be very sizable if to
want to keep the charge cycle down to an hour or two per day.
Batteries on continuous cycles do not last all that long. Just the
cost of replacing the battery bank every 3 to 5 years is quite likely
more than your electricity bills over the same period!

--
Cynic