Winter is coming. In Texas, that can mean consistently hot weather in the 80s or devastatingly cold temperatures with frozen roads, multiple inches of snowfall, and no electricity for days. The latter happened last year in February of 2021 with Snowmageddon/ The Texas Snowpocalypse of 2021.
Snowmageddon, otherwise known as Storm Uri 2021, had a disastrous impact on Texas. To summarize, Texas was hit by an enormous snowstorm for multiple days. It left millions of Texans without electricity or power when they needed it most. Texans were left without heat, running water, working medical devices, stovetops, and ovens for cooking, refrigeration, and more. A survey conducted by the University of Houston (U.H.) Hobby School of Public Affairs found that 69% of Texans were left without power for an average of 42 hours. Additionally, the storm tragically claimed 210 lives.
How Texas Manages/Supplies its Energy
Texas is unique in the management of its energy grid. The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) regulates the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), rather than As a result, blackouts in Texas are becoming more and more common in Texas with the increased electrical usage in homes and being unable to keep up with the demand. Not only that, but if another extreme weather event occurred, the same situation would arise. Keep reading to find out how to protect yourself against another storm like Snowmageddon.
Will my Home Stay Powered if I Only Install Solar Panels?
Unfortunately, your home will not remain powered if you only have solar panels on your property. The reason you need a battery is to keep utility technicians safe when they come to repair damaged power lines. Another reason is that solar panels are installed as grid-tied solar, which is secured to the grid using a solar inverter. Your solar panels must be installed with a battery backup to keep your power on during a blackout. Good Faith Energy offers many battery-backup options like the Tesla Powerwall, Enphase Battery, and the Franklin WH Backup Solution.
Why Should You Get a Solar System with a Battery Backup?
A solar battery may be the perfect solution if you want to have your power on even when the grid is out. This allows you to be entirely energy independent despite outside circumstances. You are a great candidate for solar energy if you:
- Value energy independence
- Are looking to keep yourself or your family safe
- Need to keep medical devices on at all times
- Possess valuable substances that need to be kept refrigerated (I.E., baby formula and breast milk)
With a solar powered battery backup, you can collect energy from your solar panels during the day. At night, the same energy can be used to power your electrical devices such as your A.C., lights, T.V., refrigerator, computer, or anything else that needs electricity. And if you have a surplus of energy, it can be supplied back to the grid, and you will be given an energy credit to be used at night. As a result, your monthly electric utility bill will be reduced by the solar energy generated by your solar system during the month.