Hurricanes Helene and Milton leave millions without power
Hurricane Helene rocked the Southeast, claiming at least 200 lives and causing widespread power outages that left a million Americans in the dark even a week later. Without much time to recover from the deadliest hurricane since Katrina, the fifth-strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic, Hurricane Milton, made landfall just two weeks later with top wind speeds of 180 mph, cutting off power to two million Floridians. To account for the growing intensity of these storms, meteorologists are now proposing a Category 6 level be added.
As extreme weather becomes more common, individuals and businesses are seeking ways to better protect themselves and maintain power during emergencies. Solar-plus-storage offers a reliable and resilient solution. This blog explores how solar and battery storage systems can keep essential services running even when the grid goes down, and provides steps to prepare your home or business for the next major storm.
How solar batteries work during a hurricane
During a hurricane or other power outage, a solar battery will automatically work, requiring no action on your part. You may notice the lights flicker for a brief moment as the battery switches over, but that’s about it.
During cloudy or rainy days, when the solar panels can’t recharge the battery fully, the energy that’s already stored in the battery will be available to keep devices running. Some batteries have a special feature, like Tesla’s Storm Watch, to ensure your battery is fully charged before a hurricane hits.
Effective battery management is crucial to ensure power lasts throughout an outage. It’s recommended to avoid using high-power appliances, such as air conditioners, electric stoves, clothes dryers, and dishwashers, and focus on powering essential equipment like lights, refrigerators, and medical devices. Regularly monitor your battery levels and adjust power consumption accordingly to extend battery life.
Solar success stories during historic hurricanes
During past major hurricanes, solar + storage systems have proven to be lifesavers for many.
- Hurricane Sandy (2012): During Superstorm Sandy, a large solar installer in New Jersey reported minimal damage to their panels, even in the hardest hit areas, proving solar’s durability against extreme weather conditions. Additionally, a school in the Garden State had a hybrid 232 kW solar system with supplementary diesel generators that was designed to operate independently of the grid. The facility manager explained, “Without our solar system on the roof of the school, we would have needed even more fuel, which would have been difficult to find because it was needed for all the repair trucks operating around the state.”
- Hurricane Florence (2018): Damage and flooding caused some fossil fuel and nuclear plants in North Carolina to be shut down for weeks, yet Duke Energy’s solar panels were up and running only one day after the storm. A projects director at the Rocky Mountain Institute commented, “Solar is resilient — there are a ton of cases where, as long as the roof stays attached, the solar array stays attached as well.”
- Hurricane Fiona (2022): After an 11-month blackout following Hurricane Maria (the largest blackout in US history), over 75,000 homes and businesses in Puerto Rico installed solar paired with batteries. By the time Hurricane Fiona struck in 2022, many residents were prepared. One resident said, “I was able to use the energy stored from my batteries that I generated from my rooftop solar system to get electricity, when the rest of the neighborhood couldn’t.”
- Hurricane Ian (2022): “America’s first solar-powered town” Babcock Ranch in Florida was the only community to keep their power, water, and internet in the county when the eye of Hurricane Ian, a near-Category 5 with 140 mph winds, passed directly over them. Their 150 MW solar plant with 10 MW of battery storage, spanning over 800 acres and powering 30,000 homes, kept the town resilient — along with other measures such as natural flow-ways for stormwater management, rain gardens to prevent flooding, and preserving two-thirds of the land for conservation with at least 75% native plants.
- Hurricane Helene (2023): After the devastating hurricane passed, a Georgia resident expressed gratitude, saying, “Our solar and battery backup were the hub that kept us up and running.” This emergency backup power allowed them to run their lights, refrigerator, and WiFi to share with their neighbors so they could reach out to their loved ones. Their solar and battery system provided enough power to last them over seven days during the extended outage.
National study on solar and battery performance during extended power outages
Many homeowners and businesses may be wondering exactly how much electricity can solar and batteries provide during a several-day power outage?
To answer that question, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, in collaboration with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), conducted a first-of-its-kind nationwide study on the ability of solar-plus-storage systems (or PVESS) to supply long-duration power (greater than 24 hours) during outages.
The researchers found that a small PVESS system with only 10 kWh of storage can fully meet basic backup power needs (excluding heating and cooling loads) over a 3-day outage in nearly all US counties, regardless of the time of year. And there are plenty of batteries (and battery systems) on the market that can store that much power.
When heating and cooling are included in the critical load, a PVESS system of a similar size would meet 86% of the demand across all counties and months, on average. A larger PVESS with 30 kWh of storage could cover about 96% of the critical load. The heat source is a crucial factor, however, as heat pumps use 50% less energy than electric resistance heating and are also more efficient than air conditioners.
How to choose which type of solar system to install?
When deciding on which type of solar system to install, it’s important to consider your energy needs and the pros and cons of each option:
Grid-tied systems
These solar systems are the most affordable and allow homeowners or businesses to sell excess solar power to the grid for credit with net energy metering. However, during a power outage, grid-tied solar panels automatically shut down for safety reasons to protect workers repairing the transmission lines.
Off-grid systems
For those seeking energy independence, off-grid systems with “islanding” capabilities are the best solution. These microgrid systems continue to function during outages, but are the most expensive option as they require significant battery storage to cover your entire electricity demand 24/7. Also, in many states and municipalities there are strict regulations and zoning policies that make truly living off the grid unrealistic or illegal. If you’re considering this, check your local ordinances.
Solar-plus-storage
This third “goldilocks” option combines the benefits of grid-tied systems with battery backup for emergency use. During a blackout, your solar system will continue charging the battery (assuming it’s not too cloudy or dark) and power essential equipment like refrigerators, freezers, lights, water pumps, WiFi, and cell phone chargers.
Essential steps to get your solar system ready for the next storm
Preparation is key for any natural disaster. Here’s how solar homeowners and businesses can best prepare before the storm approaches:
- Remove any debris, loose items, or equipment near your solar panels.
- Inspect the panels and report any loose bolts or connections to your installer to get fixed.
- Get nearby vegetation and dead or weak tree branches trimmed back to prevent damage.
- Check your system’s monitoring software to ensure everything is working correctly.
- Familiarize yourself with how to read the battery’s energy levels directly from the equipment, which will help manage electricity use during an outage — especially if internet connection is lost.
- See if your city or town recommends shutting down the system during the storm to minimize the risk of electrical hazards.
- Ensure your batteries are in a safe, elevated location to protect the equipment in case of flooding.
- Keep your solar installer’s contact information handy in case you need assistance.
- Take photos of your panels for insurance purposes in case of damage.
- Use solar-powered lanterns at night to conserve battery power.
The importance of battery management during an outage
Storms can bring cloudy skies for days, limiting the solar installation’s ability to fully recharge the battery. That is why battery management is key. Be sure to conserve your energy usage and only power the essentials like lights, refrigerators, and WiFi.
Monitor your solar backup battery levels and adjust your usage to ensure the power lasts as long as possible. Also, make sure to never drain your solar battery completely to 0%. The battery needs to maintain a minimal charge, based on the manufacturer’s specifications, to not damage the battery, shorten its life, or lose its ability to recharge.
Benefits of solar-plus-storage vs. traditional generators
Solar-plus-storage systems offer several advantages over traditional gas and diesel generators, such as:
- Quiet operation: Unlike noisy diesel generators, solar + storage systems are silent, which is especially beneficial if the power is out for days or weeks.
- No fuel deliveries: Generators require fuel to run, and fuel deliveries may not be possible during a natural disaster. Solar batteries, on the other hand, recharge using renewable energy harnessed directly on your roof.
- Zero maintenance: Solar batteries have no moving parts and require little to no maintenance, unlike generators that need frequent servicing.
- Safety in flood zones: Solar panels are typically roof-mounted, making them less vulnerable to flooding compared to ground-level generators, which can then short-circuit.
- More control and flexibility: Battery systems come with monitoring, giving you greater control and insight into where, when, and how your energy is being used.
- Environmentally-friendly: Solar panels produce zero emissions, as opposed to breathing in harmful fumes with diesel generators.
Top 5 myths about solar and extreme weather debunked
Many homeowners and businesses are unsure about how solar panels perform during severe storms. Below, we debunk some of the most common myths surrounding solar energy in extreme weather conditions:
Myth #1: Solar panels don’t work during storms
While it’s true that grid-tied solar panels automatically shut off during power outages for safety reasons, pairing solar with batteries makes it possible to have enough backup power to last several days or more, in addition to recharging with solar power.
Myth #2: Solar panels will fly off in hurricanes or high winds
Solar panels are rigorously tested and designed to withstand extreme wind speeds, typically up to 140 mph or more, depending on the region’s building codes. Many solar systems in hurricane-prone areas have survived severe hurricanes with minimal damage.
Myth #3: Solar panels require a lot of maintenance after a storm
Solar systems are low-maintenance and resilient. After a storm, most panels will only require a visual inspection to check for debris or damage, and extensive repairs are rare. Since there are no moving parts, the chances of malfunction are much lower than for traditional power generation systems like diesel generators.
Myth #4: Solar batteries don’t last through long outages
Solar batteries can provide enough power for several days, depending on the system size and how the energy is managed. Additionally, solar panels can continue charging the batteries during daylight hours, extending the amount of backup power.
Myth #5: Standard home insurance doesn’t cover solar panels
In most cases, solar panels are considered a part of the home’s structure and are covered under standard home insurance policies. As long as the panels are permanently installed, they are usually protected against damage from extreme weather events like hurricanes, hail, and windstorms. Be sure to check with your home insurance provider to confirm the details of your individual policy.
Weather the storm with solar-plus-storage
Power security is more important than ever. As extreme weather is becoming more frequent and severe, it’s clear that America’s aging energy infrastructure is not well equipped to handle these strong storms—leaving millions without power, sometimes for weeks or months.
Solar-plus-storage can be a vital lifeline, providing on-demand power when you need it most. Gain peace of mind during a hurricane or other natural disaster with Aurora’s solar + storage features, and invest in your safety and security before the next big storm hits.
