The Vulnerability of Texas' Power Grid
Many of Texas' major metropolitan and surrounding areas, such as Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio, are also our state's most susceptible regions to power outages. In an odd twist, our state's enjoyable warm weather makes Texas such a desirable place to live during most months of the year. Unfortunately, when the mercury starts pushing dangerous triple-digit highs for days, our aging ERCOT grid can fail you when you need it most.
As the Texas population continues to outpace the updates to the grid, more families are seeking a reliable source of electricity. As extreme weather events become more frequent, so does the increased potential for rolling blackouts. The good news is that the increasing adoption of residential solar across the state allows more Texas households to end their dependence on grid-supplied power.
The Benefits of Solar Battery Backup Over Generators
Until the ERCOT grid recently started failing, most Texans never gave much thought to the role solar batteries play in our lives - for our homes or the community at large. Whether due to a heatwave, hurricane, or ice storm, homeowners across the state are seeking increased stability in their electricity supply during emergencies. More often, Texans take their energy needs into their own hands by producing their own electricity on their own roof, then storing the sun's energy in their own solar batteries
Solar batteries have many benefits over traditional generator backup systems. First is sheer convenience. Solar batteries don't rely on flammable liquid or gas to operate or emit toxic fumes. That means while generator owners are rushing to the gas stations, praying that the lines are not a mile long, that they don't sell out of diesel or gasoline, or that the gas station has the electricity even to pump fuel in the first place, solar battery owners can rest easy. They know their solar batteries will safely and quietly kick on automatically in the event of a power outage, and they can conveniently monitor their batteries via the app on their smart device
Another benefit of solar batteries over generators is safety. Residential generators, especially older propane and gasoline models, may have an inherent fire risk. These generators are not as popular anymore. However, many Texas homes still have them tucked away in a garage and rely on them in times of emergency. As these models age, their risk increases, especially if they are not correctly stored and maintained.
Flammable fuels such as gas and propane are among the most significant risks. If a spark from an ignition system comes in contact with the fuel, the fuel tanks may ignite or explode. Faulty or dated wiring and connections within the generator can lead to short circuits and other causes that can spark home or property fires.
Remember, the best way to avoid generator-caused fires is to exercise every precaution available as you set up, store, and maintain your generator and fuel tanks
How Solar Batteries Keep Your Home Running
Residential solar + batteries allow Texas homeowners to keep their electricity on, refrigerators cold, and AC/heater running when the grid is down. Depending on your home's needs, there are various solar battery options. Most smaller battery systems will power a home's essentials during a grid failure. Texans seeking backup power for their entire home can scale solar battery size to fit any home's unique electrical requirements.
And best of all... No matter what Texas weather has in store for us, as the sun rises and shines on your solar panels every day, your solar battery recharges, leaving you prepared to power through the next emergency. You can monitor the entire process on your smartphone.
Reliable Energy Through Extreme Weather
Producing and storing their electricity as the threat of potential blackouts grows is a huge relief for homeowners across the Lone Star State. Come ice storm, heat wave, or hurricane, simply having a solar battery backup can eliminate the need to dash to the grocery store to buy up costly "storm rations" or to worry about keeping certain medications cool or home medical devices operating. Knowing that you will not be without power during an emergency allows you to focus on other essential aspects of preparation.
Having backup power when the next disaster strikes doesn't equate to invincibility. However, your ability to follow news and weather reports or, in a worst-case scenario, evacuation orders from local officials could be the difference between life and death.
Why Texans Are Going Solar
Texans are switching to the stability of solar-powered backup for various reasons, including concerns about our ERCOT grid, a growing desire to become truly self-sufficient, including energy independence, or to be part of tomorrow's greener future.
To learn more about top solar battery options by Enphase, Sonnen, Tesla, and Sunpower, check out our 2023 Guide to Residential Solar Batteries.