My first memory of a storm/hurricane that shut power down was Kate in 1985. We could not get past a downed tree by car for nearly a week. Then came the devastation of Hurricane Andrew in 1992 in South Florida. No one in the country will ever forget the images of Katrina with areas that are still in ruins some twelve years later. I have lived in Florida most of my life and can remember all of the named tropical storms and hurricanes as most everyone from the Southeast can. The truth is, whether you are in the path of hurricanes, in Tornado Alley, near the flood waters of a river, or expect an imminent planned disruption of power by enemies foreign or domestic, you need a plan of action in a disaster. As such, people will inevitably look at solar as, literally, power from the heavens to keep their lives and families safe from the raging destruction of Mother Nature.
I have been in the solar business for about thirteen years, well shy of our CEO’s forty-year history, designing solar systems to weather any storm. I have an especially poignant memory of being pulled by boat to our Discover House in Carrabelle, passing a deuce and a half truck plowing through the flood waters on what used to be the main road. Because of solar, the power never failed.
Solar systems can incorporate batteries to ensure that critical, dedicated circuits continue to run when the main power goes down. These usually include circuits that provide refrigeration, lights, entertainment, microwaves, well pumps, and outlets for fans, toasters, and cell phone chargers. For people with oxygen machines, salt water fish tanks, and CPAP equipment, solar can literally save lives. Solar battery reserve is like a gas tank being filled by the sun’s energy each day. The battery’s design is the key to surviving the duration of an outage.
When power goes out in my neighborhood, solar-charged batteries keep critical loads running. These save food, supply water, and keep the lights on. It is hard to tell when power is out until the neighborhood generators crank up and people are walking around looking for the cause of the disruption. Then, the chain saws and generators go to work.
So, what can solar do, and how much does it cost?
Solar can run basic circuits and work independently, quietly, and consistently to maintain homes and businesses until utility power returns. Efficient solar systems are sized correctly for load management. For this type of solar power, design is critical, and experience counts. Uninterrupted power and cost for power independence will vary by the type of battery used for the application. It is best to incorporate a blue printed lead acid battery pack, sealed gel cell, deep cycle batteries, and now the latest lithium iron phosphate battery for home power.
Cost can range from a hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars depending on the power system you choose. Most solar systems qualify for a 30% Federal Tax credit, can be combined with grid tie systems, and can be modular and expandable with no property tax increase on your home.
The new SmartFlower solar system is now available. This is a 2.5 Kilowatt, portable, self-cleaning tracking unit with unique features, a beautiful design, and a battery storage compartment. The SmartFlower also folds up during a storm for protection, and its base comes in a variety of colors.
From charging a battery to powering a home or business every day, the sun’s power provides welcome answers. With this clean, renewable source, you won’t be left waiting for a truck to deliver your fuel. To quote one of our customers, “I am nuclear powered without the waste.” So, NO POWER, NO PROBLEM. Power from the sun is the best thing to have when disaster strikes! 
By: Sharon Piepmeier
Simpler Solar Systems Inc.
3118 West Tharpe Street Tallahassee, FL 32303
850-576-5271
Simpler Solar Systems’ founder and C.E.O., Al Simpler, has been a leading force in providing solar worldwide since 1974. Today, Al heads up teams of solar designers and providers from our corporate office in Tallahassee. The Corporate Team at Simpler Solar Systems is dedicated to the design and implementation of solar power for both residential and commercial applications. Their systems are tailored to both moderate and extensive projects, and they custom design solar for many off grid projects. They currently offer a variety of solar packages to power everything from stand alone solar cabins for remote areas, agricultural well pumping, battery powered billboard lighting, and large commercial grid tie systems utilizing the latest technologies. Simpler Solar Systems is proud to be part of the great movement toward energy conservation and independence from fossil fuels.
