HARNESSING THE POWER OF SOLAR ENERGY AND STORAGE FOR OPTIMAL RESILIENCE

As North Carolina braces itself for the upcoming 2023 hurricane season which estimates to include 11 to 15 named storms, the state's residents and businesses are seeking ways to enhance their resilience and minimize the potential impact of these potentially devastating storms. In recent years, the combination of solar energy and energy storage systems has emerged as a promising solution, offering reliable and sustainable power during and after extreme weather events.

PREDICTIONS FOR NORTH CAROLINA'S 2023 HURRICANE SEASON

Based on early forecasts, North Carolina is expected to experience an above-average hurricane season in 2023. The combination of warm Atlantic waters, conducive wind patterns, and other factors creates favorable conditions for tropical storms and hurricanes to develop and impact the region. Given the state's vulnerability to such weather events, it becomes paramount to implement robust and sustainable solutions.

Harnessing Solar Energy With Cape Fear Solar Systems

Solar energy has proven to be an invaluable resource for powering homes and businesses across southeastern North Carolina. The abundant sunshine in the region makes it an ideal candidate for solar installations, enabling home and business owners to generate their electricity while reducing their reliance on fossil fuels. Cape Fear Solar Systems based in Wilmington, NC, has been at the forefront of this renewable revolution—they have been the region’s top solar contractor since 2007.

Cape Fear Solar Systems offers customized solar solutions tailored to the unique needs of each customer. By utilizing state-of-the-art photovoltaic (PV) panels, they enable North Carolinians to harness the sun's energy and convert it into clean electricity. Not only does this reduce carbon emissions, but it also provides significant cost savings over the long term, making solar power an economically viable choice.

ENERGY STORAGE: THE KEY TO RESILIENCE

While solar energy is a reliable and sustainable source, the intermittent nature of sunlight can present challenges during extreme weather events, such as hurricanes. This is where energy storage systems come into play. By integrating energy storage solutions with solar installations, North Carolina home and business owners can enhance their resilience and maintain a stable power supply, even when the grid is down.

Energy storage systems, such as lithium-ion batteries, allow solar energy to be stored and used during times of high demand or when solar production is limited. In the event of a hurricane-related power outage, these batteries can provide backup power, ensuring

Supply Kit For Evacuation

critical appliances and medical equipment remain operational. Cape Fear Solar Systems offers expertise in designing and installing energy storage solutions that seamlessly integrate with solar installations, providing a comprehensive and reliable energy solution.

Benefits Of Solar Energy And Storage During Hurricanes

Pairing solar energy with energy storage offers several advantages during hurricanes and their aftermath:

ENERGY INDEPENDENCE: Solar energy coupled with storage provides a degree of energy independence, reducing reliance on the grid and ensuring a continuous power supply, even in the event of widespread outages.

COST SAVINGS Solar power allows homeowners and businesses to significantly reduce their electricity bills, while energy storage systems enable them to maximize the utilization of their solar-generated energy--further reducing costs.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY: By shifting to solar power, North Carolina residents can contribute to reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change.

QUICK RECOVERY: Solar installations with energy storage can help expedite the recovery process after hurricanes by providing immediate access to electricity, aiding relief efforts, and restoring essential services. Emergency response centers, hospitals, and critical infrastructure can continue to function, offering vital support to affected communities.

RESILIENCE AND RELIABILITY: Solar energy paired with energy storage enhances the resilience and reliability of the energy system. Even if the grid goes down, solar-powered homes and businesses can continue to operate, ensuring comfort, safety, and productivity during challenging times.

LONG-TERM INVESTMENT: Investing in solar energy and storage is a long-term strategy that pays off beyond hurricane seasons. The savings on electricity bills and potential incentives, such as net metering programs and federal tax credits, make solar installations an economically viable choice for homeowners and businesses alike.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT: Choosing Cape Fear Solar Systems as the preferred solar contractor not only ensures top-quality installations but also supports the local community. Working with a local company stimulates the regional economy, creates jobs, and fosters sustainable development within North Carolina.

Investing in solar energy and energy storage is a proactive step towards a more resilient and sustainable future for North Carolina. By harnessing the power of the sun, the state can reduce its carbon footprint, enhance energy security, and pave the way for a greener and more resilient tomorrow.

Robert is a Wilmington native that graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with degrees in Economics and Environmental Studies. Robert is a NABCEP® PV Certified Solar Installer (#PV-041616-013206). Robert has been a guest speaker for NABCEP, Wilmington Cape Fear Home Builders Association, Cape Fear New Home Sales & Marketing Council and several environmental groups. Robert oversees all commercial solar installations for Cape Fear Solar Systems and has worked with many well-known area businesses to help them increase business profits using solar energy.

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Cash in the event that power outages disrupt ATMS and credit cards

Important documents such as ID cards and insurance information

Extra set of keys to your personal and business properties, as well as vehicles

Portable chargers for mobile devices

Bottled water and snacks such as protein bars and granola bars

First-aid kit with whistle

Flashlights for each member of your family

Shelter In Place Items

All items listed above plus:

One gallon of water per person, per day, for up to 7 days

Additional water for flushing toilets and bathing

Non-perishable food for up to 7 days

Paper and plastic eating utensils

Manual can opener and kitchen tools

Fire extinguisher

Waterproof matches

Plastic tarp and duct tape for quick repairs

Household sanitation items such as garbage bags and paper towels

Pet supplies for up to 7 days including food, medication, water, and pet ID information

Extra batteries

Battery operated or hand crank radio (including a weather radio)

Prescription list and a 14-day supply of medications

Personal sanitation items such as moist towelettes, soap, toothpaste and toothbrush, hand sanitizer, etc

Infant formula and diapers

Changes of clothing

Activities to keep small children distracted and occupied

Do you Know Your Zone? If evacuations are ordered in New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick counties, local officials will announce which zones should leave the area. The state of North Carolina has developed the Know Your Zone program for the state’s coastal communities that are most vulnerable to impacts from hurricanes, tropical storms, and other hazards. Higher risk areas in Zone A, such as our beach communities and those located along waterways, will typically be ordered first to evacuate. Then areas in Zone B, Zone C, etc. will be ordered as needed. Officials will use a tiered approach to avoid traffic jams during a mandatory evacuation. As evacuation orders are issued, follow local media and trusted state information sources for the latest information updates.