The news has been full of stories focused on the recent devastation left in the path of Hurricane Helene. The hurricane damage is heartbreaking to see and we, as by-standers, are so limited in what we can do to help those in need.
The devastation hit especially close to home for me, because my brother is located in South Carolina, just south of Asheville. This is one of the areas that experienced some of the worst devastation and destruction. It is also one of the areas that is experiencing severe power outages.
My brother is one of the millions who is currently without power. His electric utility is telling him that he will be without electricity for at least one week, and others in the area could be without power for a month or more. As we struggled to communicate back and forth, I told him we need to install solar and storage for his house to avoid this experience in the wake of future storms, such as Hurricane Milton. An installation of solar plus storage would have provided the emergency power needed to many who find themselves without power after storms like Helene.
My brother’s reply sparked real frustration in me – he said that he would love to have solar on his property but his homeowners’ association forbid all solar in the neighborhood, mainly because of aesthetics. Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon occurrence. When does this cease to be a good enough reason? Looking at NASA’s newly published satellite images comparing city lights from space prior Hurricane Helene to the current city’s dark spots, this seems extremely unreasonable. So many people who live in areas like this could have been spared weeks without power if they had been allowed to install a solar plus storage system.
Homeowners and landowners are being told left and right that they cannot use their property to invest in energy security by utilizing renewable energy. But the truth is that solar and renewable energy
systems provide energy security. These alternative power sources would not only serve the land owners but also help entire neighborhoods during extreme situations after hurricanes and other severe weather where power outages occur.
It’s also important for home owners and businesses to know that, beyond aesthetic concerns, solar actually raises property values. A study from Zillow showed that on average, properties with solar sold for 4% more than comparable properties without. For the median-valued home, that translates to an additional $9,274. This implies that neighborhoods should be embracing this technology to the benefit of all who live there.
It is time that we take a step back and look beyond mere aesthetics and understand how renewables can help in times of need. Aesthetics are important, but so is functionality and energy security. Your fridge is only helpful if it can get the power needed to run it. Your cell phone and laptop only work if they’re charged up. Renewable energy sources can keep the lights on during a power outage.
Keeping the lights on during a power outage and providing our customers with energy security is what we do best at GAI Energy. If you would like to talk to one of our solar or microgrid experts on solar and storage solutions for your home, farm, or business, get in touch today. We are here to help our neighbors.
