How Natural Disasters Show Us That Solar Is the Future
Due to climate change, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and other extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and intensity. While power outages are expected during today’s natural disasters, solar-powered energy systems can help keep homes safe and fully powered in the future.
At Solera Energy, our solar solutions provide reliable access to the electricity required to keep your lights, HVAC systems, security systems, and other critical appliances in operation during disasters.
When you need dependable protection against natural disasters, contact Solera Energy to schedule a service appointment in Arkansas or Missouri.
Power Grid Vulnerabilities Exposed by Natural Disasters
Natural disasters cause extensive damage to the power grid. Even the sturdiest poles topple, lines snap, and transformers blow. Current damage estimates often rise into billions of dollars, and the situation will worsen as the aging power infrastructure becomes ever more susceptible to catastrophic damage. This includes poles, transmission lines, substations, and other elements that are often still in operation long after they should have been replaced.
As witnessed during Hurricane Beryl, utility providers are ill-prepared for the effects of climate change and the growing needs of consumers who increasingly rely on power for everything from comfort to security. Investments in upgrading the safety and reliability of power infrastructure have lagged far behind the need. This means consumers and businesses who want viable protection must invest in solar energy solutions that have a proven track record of performance and reliability.
Innovations in Solar Technology for Disaster Preparedness
Solar panels are engineered to withstand extreme weather and can use battery storage to keep power flowing through storms. Most panels can withstand sustained winds of up to 140 mph, roughly the same strength as a Category 4 hurricane or an EF-3 tornado. In areas such as Florida, more robust options can be installed that comply with the higher wind speeds hurricanes and tornadoes in the state can generate.
Residential and commercial solar panels are also waterproof and can even generate some electricity when it’s raining. They can also withstand hail and debris damage, which frequently accompany the region’s hurricanes.
Florida’s First Hurricane-Proof Town
Babcock Ranch is one of the best-protected towns in the nation against sudden power loss. This “hurricane-proof” town has invested heavily in solar energy solutions for its needs. In fact, it was built specifically to resist the hurricanes that increasingly threaten power infrastructure in Florida.
As Hurricane Ian thrashed Florida, it caused more than $112 billion in damage and knocked out power to communities throughout Florida.
However, the lights didn’t go out across the 18,000 square acres of Babcock Ranch because the town’s 870-acre solar panel farm continued to generate the power required by the community. It stands as a resolute example of the capabilities solar panels deliver when power grids and other infrastructure fail.
Depend On Solera Energy for Disaster Preparedness
At Solera Energy, our solar energy specialists can help you find the optimal solution for your home or business. We offer a full range of solar panels, solar batteries, and more to help you weather the strongest storms and the power outages they bring. Our team will also help you navigate state and federal credits and programs that can dramatically reduce the investment required to upgrade your security and enhance your protection against weather-related power loss.
Contact Solera Energy to learn more about the solutions we offer that will help protect your home in Arkansas or Missouri.
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