Building your own generator (on the cheap). This basic generator (gas powered motor, alternator and battery only), can be used as a 12 volt power source.
http://theepicenter.com/tow02077.html
takes 12 VDC and steps it up to 120 VAC.
http://www.aaroncake.net/circuits/inverter.htm
run 40W fluorescent tubes from any 12V source capable of delivering 3A
http://www.aaroncake.net/circuits/40wflamp.htm
outputs 300V 400Hz, waveform is vaguely sinusoidal, 5W output power
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Lab/5185/circuit.html#SC
circuit to power a fluorescent lamp from 12V
http://www.edn.com/archives/1997/021797/04DI_03.htm
powers a 6 inch 4 Watt fluorescent tube off a 12 volt supply, consuming 300 mA
http://www.mitedu.freeserve.co.uk/Circuits/Misc/Neon.html
The 3-terminal push-pull DC-DC converter topology provides isolation for safety, suitable boosting of the fuel cell voltage to 400 volts, reduced cost and reduced size of the energy storage elements in the converter.
http://www.energychallenge.org/2001Reports/tamu.pdf
Don't get caught in the dark again!
http://www.wenzel.com/pdffiles/backup.pdf