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As extreme weather events become increasingly common and destructive across the U.S., the impact of wildfires on electricity distribution has become a prominent problem.
In Western states, the wildfire season has extended from 5 months to over 7 months since the 1970s.1
Fires that can forever change public lands and destroy people’s homes now occur nearly year-round. Additionally, these harrowing wildfires have become more frequent and larger over the past few decades. Scientists have attributed a growing number of forest fires to climate change, see:2
In the coming years, such climate change effects are anticipated to continue disrupting our energy systems more often and on a greater scale. For homeowners, businesses, and communities, this means longer-lasting power outages. During power outages, life as we know it nearly comes to a stop. Consequently, communities are starting to build a more dependable, resilient electrical grid with solar energy solutions so that life can keep running smoothly in an outage.
How did we get here?
We need to rethink our electric grid. We all use it, yet seldom think about it—until it’s not there.
Today’s electric grid is primarily powered by large transmission lines that carry electricity over long distances from centralized fossil fuel power plants. Notably, more than 70% of the nation's grid transmission lines and power transformers are over 25 years old.3
This aging infrastructure was not built to withstand extreme conditions, and its vulnerabilities grow with each storm and wildfire.
Solar reduces hazards and provides backup power
Local distributed energy resources (DERs), such as home solar and battery systems, are increasingly recognized as resilient energy solutions in high-risk fire areas currently served by electric lines.
Home solar and battery storage systems provide reliable energy that keeps households running comfortably and safely during wildfire threats and other power outages. These systems are seamless to use, with batteries charging daily from solar energy, ensuring homeowners can power through even prolonged outages. Additional benefits include:
Keeping food fresh by powering refrigerators and freezers
Maintaining comfort by running HVAC systems to regulate temperature
Staying connected by charging computers, mobile devices, and Wi-Fi routers
Ensuring safety with power for home security systems and lighting
Operating appliances like microwaves and washing machines, and charging essential personal devices and personal medical equipment
The role of home solar and storage in energy systems
Our aging electric grid is vulnerable to extreme weather and wildfires, leading to power outages and increased fire hazards.
Traditionally, to manage wildfire risk, some circuits are entirely shut down. Home solar and storage can alleviate some network power loads, keeping electrical circuits within safe operating limits, maximizing capacity, and reducing sag. Additionally, during grid outages, solar battery storage can directly power impacted homes. Increasing solar and storage in high-risk locations will help protect homeowners and assist electric companies in future wildfires.4
Traditionally, to manage wildfire risk, some circuits are entirely shut down. Home solar and storage can alleviate some network power loads, keeping electrical circuits within safe operating limits, maximizing capacity, and reducing sag. Additionally, during grid outages, solar battery storage can directly power impacted homes. Increasing solar and storage in high-risk locations will help protect homeowners and assist electric companies in future wildfires.4
Reducing the likelihood of power outages
The traditional electric grid faces challenges in maintaining reliability during extreme weather events, including wildfires. Implementing home solar and storage can alleviate these challenges by decreasing the load on the grid, thus minimizing the risk of overloads and subsequent outages. Moreover, during preventive power shutoffs intended to mitigate wildfire risks, homes equipped with solar and battery systems can continue to operate independently, ensuring uninterrupted power supply.8
Benefits of an efficient, clean grid
The deployment of solar and storage contributes to a more efficient and cleaner energy grid. By generating electricity directly at the home where energy is consumed, these systems reduce transmission losses and decrease dependence on fossil fuels, aligning with broader environmental and sustainability goals. Additionally, the flexibility of solar and storage supports grid modernization efforts, facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources and making energy more resilient and affordable for all.6
Empowering communities through solar adoption
The progression of supportive policies and technological advancements has accelerated the adoption of home solar and battery systems. Programs aimed at enhancing grid resilience and promoting renewable energy integration have empowered consumers to take control of their energy needs, providing peace of mind during power outages and protection against the impacts of wildfires and other extreme climate events.9
Collaborative efforts in grid modernization
Community members and policymakers play a pivotal role in driving grid modernization initiatives. By advocating for and implementing distributed energy solutions, they contribute to the development of a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure. Collaborative efforts among government agencies, research institutions, and the private sector are essential in advancing these initiatives to benefit future generations.9
Learn more
For comprehensive information on how distributed energy resources, such as home solar and batteries, enhance grid resilience and mitigate wildfire risks, refer to the U.S. Department of Energy's resources on distributed energy technologies for resilience.10
If you would like to go solar, and protect yourself from rising electricity rates and potential long term outages in your area, contact Sunrun today. Get a free quote, see if you qualify.
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