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It might sound like an exaggeration, but we’re being completely honest when we say that Solar Powered Systems are built to withstand hurricane force winds. Hurricane Ian has caused massive amounts of destruction in Florida, leaving many without homes and power. Despite the destruction the storm wrought and the resulting power outages, a community that is 100% solar powered never ran out of power, even after the storm passed right over them. If you’ve ever needed proof that a Solar Powered System is one of the sturdiest things under the sun, then look no further.
Babcock Ranch’s solar array
We’ve written on how durable Solar Powered Systems are in the past, but Babcock Ranch stands out as the newest demonstration of how tough and reliable these systems are. In fact, those beautiful, shiny panels are built to withstand just about anything nature throws their way, even hurricanes.
Babcock Ranch itself is a planned community that is home to over 2000 homes, all of which are powered by solar energy. The solar array that catches all of the sunlight for this community consists of a whopping 700,000 solar panels across approximately 900 acres that provide more electrical power than the community uses. When Hurricane Ian blew in, this massive solar powered system didn’t just keep providing power; it withstood the nearly category-5 hurricane and took minimal damage.
This also isn’t the first time that this particular solar array has been through a hurricane. In 2017, Hurricane Irma passed over the array and, just as it was with Hurricane Ian, the array was barely harmed at all. During Hurricane Irma, of the 343,000 panels on the 440 acres that were hit by the storm, none of the panels became dislodged.
Thriving in the face of uncertainty
Many towns and cities in Florida lost power for days at a time with; over 2.6 million people lost power. Babcock Ranch was able to keep its lights on, have running water, and have access to the internet thanks to the power from the community’s solar array. The widespread devastation has also left many without places to live with many refugees from the storm now residing at Babcock Ranch until they can sort things out.
During the storm itself, Babcock Ranch’s Solar Powered System was even able to power a storm shelter that wasn’t intended to be utilized during the storm. Thanks to solar power, the shelter was able to stay open and it ended up being the only shelter that was still powered during the hurricane.
Solar provides hope for the future
While other areas that only rely on power provided by a power grid, solar keeps proving its worth. When Puerto Rico was hit by Hurricane Fiona, it dealt lasting damage to the territory’s power grid and robbed them of electricity. Winter storm Uri caused massive power outages in 2021 that led to rolling blackouts and casualties. Now, Hurricane Ian has caused destruction that left those who relied on utility companies and power grids without electricity. Extreme weather events are going to happen, and the power grids that have been relied on clearly aren’t up to the task.
How different would it have been if Texans had electricity and internet access during Winter Storm Uri? What might it have been like if Texans never lost power during those frigid weeks that caused so many to be without power and wildly increased energy bills for those who were lucky enough to still have it? Lives would have been saved and Texans wouldn’t be at the mercy of a power grid that can’t withstand extreme weather events.
Solar power has proven itself to be the strongest solution to these harsh weather events, and the recent Hurricane that made landfall in Florida is proof of that. Solar panels are designed to be able to handle Hurricane wind speeds and have a lifespan of up to 40 years. In the case of Babcock Ranch, solar energy is more than just a viable way to save money on energy. This community will enjoy having more clean energy than they could ever use for the next several decades while never having to worry about losing electricity due to storms, even ones that demolished countless homes. Where power grids and utility companies fail, solar energy shines. You can rely on two things: first, that extreme storms and weather events that pose a major threat to power grids and utility services are going to happen. There is no doubt about this. Second, solar has proven to be more reliable than any power grid or utility company that currently exists. On top of the fact that it helps you save money on electric bills (which are significantly increased during and after extreme weather events), solar power is.
Protect yourself from extreme weather events
Installing a Solar Powered System for your home or business is one of the best investments you can make, especially when you consider how well Babcock Ranch’s solar array was largely unaffected by Hurricane Ian. If there is ever another winter storm or extreme weather event here in Texas, your Solar Powered System can keep your home or business running while also enabling you and your family to have power no matter what the situation is.
Installing backup batteries and Generac® generators will give you the edge you need when the grid goes down. Plus, having your own Solar Powered System saves you massive amounts of money on your electric bills and can even eliminate the cost of electricity all together. Be ready for the next extreme weather event by switching to solar!
If you are considering switching to solar for your home or business, reach out to us by going to our website, iestxsolar.com, or by giving us a call at (855) 447-6527.
