Surviving Extreme Heat Waves with Solar
Climate change has resulted in some of the longest, driest, and hottest summers for Northern California. Currently, the region is entering a major heat wave, with temperatures anticipated to reach extremes of 115 degrees later in the week. While shocking to some, this has become the new norm for many residents. Unfortunately, the heat does more than just result in further drought and potential wildfire conditions - it puts a major strain on local grids. With more and more people hiding out indoors with their air conditioning units running, there is a real risk of utility outages and other disruptions occurring. Add to it that most areas won’t receive much nighttime cooling, with temperatures hovering in the 80s, and NorCal residents could find themselves in an uncomfortable and potentially dangerous position over the next week or two.
This heat wave isn’t unique to just California though -- in fact, it's coming from the very same ridge of high pressure that tormented Western Oregon and Washington this past week. The governor of Oregon went so far as to issue a state of emergency due to high temperatures and utility concerns.
Texas Becomes the Example for Solar Relief
Another state facing recent extreme heat waves is Texas, with its grid suffering energy supply issues as spikes in demand cause disruptions. The state’s energy grid is run by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which has been struggling to keep up with some of the more strenuous demands of the long-lasting summer heat waves in various regions. They are dealing with increasing energy supply shortages in the face of such demands, just narrowly escaping rolling blackouts on several occasions.
Looking towards the future, Texas is moving towards more rooftop solar and energy storage to minimize some of the heavy demand on the traditional grid. Not only that, but more rooftop solar and battery storage means more energy independence and protection for individual homeowners -- something that many Northern California homeowners are starting to implement as well.
As of now, Texas currently has the largest projection for increased solar power production over the next three years -- a whopping 50% more than California in that time. This buildout should greatly improve ERCOT’s ability to meet the state’s growing population and demand on the grid, as well as the growing number of retiring fossil fuel generators.
Can Solar Resources Equip Homeowners for the Next Heat Wave?
There is no denying that temperatures seem to be on the rise in nearly all areas of the country -- and California is no exception. With our own wave of extremely hot temperatures just seeming to begin for the summer, more and more homeowners are looking for long-term solutions to expensive and unpredictable utility spikes.
There is more than just financial assurance in adding solar panels and battery storage to a home though -- when blackouts occur due to heat waves, wildfires, or other extreme issues, homeowners with a solar panel and storage system in place can have ultimate peace of mind. Not having to worry about being cut off from having power on the hottest days of the summer or running up your electric bill is about comfort and safety for NorCal residents.
Solar-charged batteries allow homeowners more flexibility in high-demand energy situations, while also providing relief to the local grid, reducing the amount of power drained out of it during peak demand time. Increased usage of renewable energies provides comfort and peace of mind for the homeowner with the solar power generation system in place, as well as local residents who are more reliant on the grid.
If you are interested in learning more about protecting your household from blackouts or rising utility costs through solar battery storage, our team can talk you through your options. Get more insight on solar panel and battery installation when you reach out today.