Hello, solar enthusiasts! Today, I’d like to dive into the potency of solar power in crisis management situations. When disaster strikes, like earthquakes or extreme weather, immediate access to water, power, and shelter becomes critical. Solar panels for your home or larger solar arrays for home or community use are playing an increasingly vital role in response to such disasters. Whether used by non-profits or private solar companies, solar energy is quickly proving its efficiency in crunch times where reliable power is indispensable.
One prominent example was during the disaster caused by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico in 2017. Nearly 90% of residents lost power due to massive destruction of the energy infrastructure. Empowered by Light, a US-based non-profit, was one of the first groups to reach the island and began deploying small solar systems to power fire stations and other critical operations.
They didn’t just demonstrate how swiftly solar energy can be set up, but also highlighted the reliability of solar in such critical situations. It was found that diesel generators were failing at the worst possible times, and replacement parts were hard to come by due to the logistical issues caused by the disaster. Solar arrays, on the other hand, proved to be reliable, renewable, and above all, pollution-free.
In addition to providing immediate relief, initiatives like these encourage the use and growth of local solar companies, helping build local capacity and boost the community’s solar industry.
Moreover, solar energy’s attractiveness in disaster situations doesn’t stop with emergency response; there’s a promising future for solar in terms of disaster preparedness as well. By investing in the installation of solar arrays before disaster strikes, the availability and efficiency of the energy power source increase considerably during these critical periods. It represents a preventive and cost-effective solution to disaster management.
Take it from the Michigan-based start-up Sesame Solar, which has built a robust business foundation on using mobile “nanogrids” in crisis situations. With these nanogrids, they strive to offer a simplified and ready-to-use solution that requires minimal training. The whole idea revolves around providing a continuous power loop of 5-20 kw (depending on the system specification) that almost mirrors traditional power availability while being far more sustainable and efficient.
In a world grappling with climate change and the increased chances of extreme weather events and natural disasters, the renewable, reliable, and resilient nature of solar power has never been more compelling. As individuals, opting for solar panels for your home or a solar array for home use is not just a choice for clean energy but also a way to contribute to making our communities more resilient in times of crisis.
As more solar companies innovate and continue deploying reliable, affordable solar solutions, we inch closer to a future where every home has a solar array and where power cuts and energy crises become a thing of the past. As we transition towards a sustainable future, we need to remember- solar is no longer just a choice, it’s a necessity. Let’s embrace solar, today!
Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/01/22/decarbonizing-disaster-response/
