Hurricane Ian was one of the most destructive hurricanes in Florida history, causing more than $109 billion in damage. Pounding rains, driving winds, and brutal flooding disappeared entire neighborhoods, devastating communities.  

While there was tremendous destruction, many homeowners found themselves safe and with power, thanks to their rooftop solar system investments. 

Eric Jackson, a homeowner in Estero, Florida, is one of the grateful residents who never lost power and came out of the storm unscathed. With an all-electric home, Eric’s key appliances like his fridge, HVAC, and car didn’t need fuel to operate. Instead, his solar and battery storage systems immediately stepped in and kept his home up and running when the power grid went down.  

“We didn’t lose anything,” said Jackson. “We didn’t lose a beat.”  

St. James resident, Dr. Nick Zakov, had a similar experience.  

Dr. Zakov was shocked to see that his neighbors’ roofs were blown off their houses and “dropped in their front yards.”  

“I chose to have solar and batteries installed so that I can have extra power stored for emergency use,” he said. “It’s one of the best investments I’ve ever made, because not only am I saving money on my electric bill, but with the hurricane, my solar panels and the batteries basically saved my house.”  

Benefits of Solar 

Rooftop solar coupled with battery storage means that families like the Jacksons and the Zakovs keep their food from spoiling, their cooling systems running, and their cellphones working in times of extreme weather.  

Solar panels are manufactured to provide protection against hurricane-force winds and, when installed correctly, can safeguard a roof from damage. Under Florida building codes, depending on geographic location and wind risk, some solar panels are required to sustain category 5 hurricane equivalent winds - sometimes as high as 195 MPH.  

Solar panels and battery backup systems are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners, not only for their peace of mind but also for their ability to enhance home resilience in the face of inevitable extreme weather events like hurricanes.

To learn about the brave, driven, and empowered people on the front lines of the solar revolution, or as well call them, Warriors of Light, click here.