The recent wildfires sweeping the West Coast have taught us many things about resilience and electric power infrastructure.
With such devastating local weather and interruptive conditions, grid reliability is at an all-time low.Wildfires of any type often result in frequent power shutoffs. Instead of relying on the power grid, it’s time to consider the need for energy resilience. For many homes, this means installing solar panel battery storage so you can be prepared in the event that the worst case scenario becomes reality.
The Growing Risk to Traditional Power
Traditional electric power has served us well for a long time, but it’s time to evolve. Ongoing climate change trends have resulted in an increased wildfire frequency. This may also be influenced by the fact that many of our local grids are more than a few decades old and haven’t ever been replaced. Wildfires cause outages, but faulty electrical components can also increase the risk of wildfires.
To ensure public safety, the grid and local access to power may be shut off to keep repair teams safe. These are known as public safety power shutoffs (PSPS). Therefore, power goes off for longer periods during times when repairs are necessary. This inconveniences both homes and businesses in wildfire-prone regions.
Solar + Storage as the Solution
When power grids are not reliable, the most practical answer is energy independence. This can be achieved by combining solar panels with battery storage. Solar plus storage provides you with continuous power during shutoffs, reduced reliance on the grid, and lower energy costs in the long term.
The right solar and battery storage system can help you enjoy more reliable access to energy and reduce stress on aging power grid infrastructure while wildfire management is a constant regional challenge.
Modern solar panel system capabilities include battery backup integration, smart home controls, and easy remote monitoring. These make solar more approachable and versatile than ever.
Making the Switch
What these wildfires have taught us is that localized power from solar is more important than ever.
The steps to energy resilience through solar include:
- Choosing the right size of solar panel system
- Exploring your battery storage options
- Planning the ideal installation location
You can also reduce the cost of your property power upgrade using the federal tax credit incentive and available financing options.
Increasing Reliable Power, Reducing Wildfire Risks
As the climate changes, clean energy provides a clear and widely beneficial solution. Solar ensures steady access to power in addition to greater fire safety. Contact Solar Optimum for a home assessment, a free consultation, and professional advice on choosing the best solar panel and battery backup system for your home or business.
Contact us today to get a free quote on a solar panel system.
