Emergency Power Solutions: How Solar and Batteries Support Families During Hurricanes and Grid Power Outages
Nothing demonstrates the reliability of solar and battery systems better than hearing about their real-world performance. When Hurricane Helene swept through, causing widespread damage and outages, many households struggled to stay powered. However, for our customer, Eva C., and her family, their solar + battery system provided reliable power during the storm, allowing them to maintain essential functions at home and effectively manage the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene. In moments when the world feels uncertain, having the right support can turn an overwhelming situation into one of community, resilience, and even gratitude.
Eva shared:
"Thank you, AES, for checking on us. All is well. Our grid was restored yesterday. We completely underestimated the storm. Even with the warnings coming to our phone and notifications from our Tesla Powerwall, we lost power around four in the morning. And our Powerwall immediately kicked in to run the freezer and refrigerator.
In the morning, I looked at our property and thought, not so bad. I didn't really understand how bad things were until we tried to leave our neighborhood. That's when it began to sink in. We were in a major emergency. The first night after the hurricane was very quiet. It was so dark I could see the Milky Way from our front yard. Neighbors had spent the day clearing the roads. But no one had access to generators for the first day.
The second day, some people were able to get their generators up; my neighbor was able to purchase a generator, but there was no gas to run it.
Meanwhile, the fridge was running, so we offered our neighbor to bring meat and store it in our freezer. We set up an extension cord and created a phone charging station that the neighbors used for their laptops, batteries, and phones. Our kids were even able to play video games. The only thing missing was AC. But we could plug in a fan. The sun was shining bright; we had plenty of energy to fill up the Tesla Powerwall and share with our neighbors. I'm so damn grateful we have solar and a Powerwall. We aced this emergency."
When the grid goes down, having a reliable backup means your home can keep running smoothly, no matter how long the outage lasts. Whether it’s powering essential devices or helping out neighbors in need, systems like these provide energy independence and peace of mind.
As severe weather becomes more unpredictable, many homeowners are turning to solar and battery setups for a reliable and sustainable backup power solution. Unlike fuel-based generators, which can be hard to maintain during extended outages, solar panels work in tandem with battery storage systems to recharge during the day, providing a continuous energy supply. For Eva, this meant her family could stay comfortable and secure throughout the emergency.
By investing in solar power and energy storage, you’re not just preparing for potential outages—you’re taking control of your energy needs, offering security in times of crisis, and reducing dependence on an unstable grid. Eva’s story is just one example of how these systems can provide practical solutions when it matters most.