This week, the hurricane season of 2022 will officially end. This year, there were 14 large enough storms to be called and two hurricanes with at least Category 3 classification.
Hurricane Ian, a Category 4 storm that hit Florida late in September, was the most notorious. More than 4,000,000 Floridians lost power as a result of the storm.
The lights were on in America’s first solar-powered town during Hurricane Ian.
Ian’s landfall was not far from Babcock Ranch, an area 12 miles northeast of Fort Myers, which is powered entirely by solar energy. Wind speeds exceeding 140 mph pounded communities in the area. The solar panels and houses in Babcock Ranch were largely unharmed by the storm.
Solar power is a powerful tool that can protect people and communities against extreme weather. When combined with backup battery units, solar panels can provide electricity in the event of a power outage in dangerous weather.
Solar power can also withstand natural disasters.
Winter Storm Uri in Texas 2021 is a powerful reminder that solar energy and energy storage are important tools during a major storm. Uri knocked power out for millions of Texans. Solar panels and batteries installed in wall units, and even electric cars, could still generate electricity and power homes while crews repaired power lines.
Texas leaders know the importance of solar power in helping businesses and families recover from disasters. The Public Utility Commission of Texas has been studying the benefits of these home and neighborhood-scale energy systems or distributed energy resources. Will protect Texans against the effects of another devastating storm.
Solar energy can protect you from expensive energy bills in the event of weather disasters.
This protection extends to bills related to weather. Winter Storm Uri cost Texas consumers billions in extra electric costs, and state policy responses could end up costing even more. Solar systems will help Texans secure their electricity costs and protect them from the costs of the next storm.
Solar energy helps protect people from blackouts caused by extreme weather conditions. Solar power also saves them money on high bills, which can increase after a storm. As our state prepares to face the future, it’s an important part of that picture.