Will rooftop solar prevent outages from Hurricane Ian – Boosted by that?

Essay by Eric Worrall

The Greens are using the post-Hurricane Ian blackouts to boost solar power.

Climate emergencies abound here. Now we must act.

Today’s climate impacts are here to stay, so we need to double down on climate adaptation now.

ANDREAS KARELAS October 5, 2022

In Florida, Hurricane Ian houses ripped from their foundations, docks sunk and leaving at least 2.6 million people without electricity. Floridians shared a photo of Flamingo avoid storms in public baths and shark swim up flooded streets.

Welcome to the age of climate change.

As we assess the devastating impact of Hurricane Ian, it’s time to take a closer look at climate adaptation. How prepared are we for the climate impacts that are here and on track to get frighteningly worse?

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Given that solar energy is now cheapest form of electricity Historically, according to the International Energy Agency, things are starting to improve. A recent study from Oxford shows that a rapid transition to renewable energy will allow us to decarbonize the economy by 2050 and save money. 12 trillion dollars in process.

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We must start building resilience immediately. Clean-powered microgrids with battery storage will not only prove to be a cost-effective way to reduce carbon pollution, but will also make us more resilient in the face of climate catastrophe.

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Read more: https://www.commondreams.org/views/2022/10/05/climate-emergency-very-much-here-now-we-must-act

KCRA-3 published a story about a solar powered Florida community that didn’t seem to suffer any blackouts.just 12 miles from Fort Myers, where Hurricane Ian made landfall.

From Chariot energy;

Can solar panels withstand storms?

By: Matt Kundo
August 9, 2022

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All solar panels, regardless of brand, style, shape or material, are built to withstand high winds to some degree. Generally speaking, most solar panels can withstand winds up to 140 mphabout 2,400 pascals (solar panel wind resistance unit).³ That is Strong enough to withstand a Category 4 hurricanewind speeds of 130 to 156 mph.⁴

However, the story above is a rare case, that is, these solar panels are specially designed to withstand the strongest possible wind and storm. Plus, they’ve been enhanced to less debris affecting the plates. Wind blowing at 170 mph is much different than a rock flying at the same speed. So, Any ground mounted solar panels or roof panels below ground level are also free of cost.

The good news is that solar panels are being designed and built with materials to withstand more extreme conditions. So while the industry isn’t ready for all weather, we’re working to become more resilient each year.

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Read more: https://chariotenergy.com/blog/can-solar-panels-withstand-hurricanes/

For most people, a gas-powered backup generator would probably make more sense. My personal backup plan, a small, portable generator and a stack of 5-gallon gas cans, locked in a secure, flood-proof storage space, keeps my freezer and TV running at all times. motion. Cyclone Marcia passed nearby in 2015 – including an extended period when the sky was black with storm clouds. And of course, a $1000 generator is a lot cheaper than a $7000+ household solar battery installation regardless of green fantasies about renewable energy costs.

I think there is a case for solar back-up, at least to keep the freezer running, if you live in a county with prolonged power outages and flooding following major storms. I was caught in such a place in 2012, my house became an island after floods cut off all roads. There’s a gas station within reach, but the pumps don’t work, as they don’t have a backup generator. My gas canisters were almost empty when the power came back on.

Having said that, I hate having to rely on solar as my *only* backup. If a storm or hurricane is accompanied by large hail or flying debris, anything outdoors will be affected, including solar panel installations. And of course, solar panels won’t get much sunlight during stormy skies.