Energy Independence
New England is no stranger to severe weather, with hurricanes, nor'easters , and extreme heat waves regularly occurring. However, in recent years, we have been hit by increasingly hazardous winter weather storms that are causing power outages and wreaking havoc on the electric grid. Nor'easter's are one type of particular winter storm that has caused damage and gained more headlines in recent years.
Ice and Solar
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So, what does this mean for solar? It’s an opportunity to prove that solar array systems can help residents maintain power, even when the grid goes out. Homeowners can ensure they have power when unexpected weather hits by owning a solar Solar energy system with battery backup storage.
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Solar panels can still produce energy even in cold and cloudy conditions, making them a viable option for winter weather. In some cases, snow and ice can actually refract sunlight, causing the panels to produce even more energy. Solar panels are built to withstand all weather conditions, and snow and ice are not issues for well-built arrays. Most of the time, the ice that accumulates during a freeze melts off the panels very quickly; as soon as the sun can warm up the panels.
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However, the real benefit of solar with battery storage is that it provides a reliable backup power source during outages caused by ice storms or other extreme weather events. The battery storage system allows excess energy generated by the solar panels to be stored for later use, ensuring that residents can access power even when the grid is down.
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There are many advantages to installing a solar array system with battery storage. It can reduce the strain on the electrical grid during peak demand periods, which is vulnerable to failure. It can help reduce energy costs for residents. Property owners can sell excess energy generated by the solar panels back to the grid or use it when electricity rates are higher – learn more about net metering in Massachusetts.
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Ice storms are becoming more common, increasingly hazardous, and residents need to be prepared for the possibility of extended power outages. As the Northeast continues to experience more extreme weather events, residents should find alternative power sources apart from the grid to ensure they are prepared for the unexpected.
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