Texas Winter Storm of 2021: How Solar and Batteries Saved People

In modern times, there is an increased risk of power outages due to higher storm frequencies and more reliance on the grid. Outages can be quite harmful. Businesses can lose thousands or even millions of dollars. Health threats may occur.

Solar is an effective solution. Panels can generate energy even when the grid goes down. It helped several Texans during the winter storm of 2021.

What Happened During the Texas Winter Storm?

Texas became incapacitated when Winter Storm Uri dumped record amounts of snow on the state’s 254 counties in February of 2021. Millions of Texans lost power. The snow and ice led to widespread road closures and dangerous travel conditions.

Governor Gregg Abbott issued a declaration across the state. Warming centers were opened in several areas. Emergency personnel were deployed to rescue stranded motorists and conduct welfare checks.

The leading cause of outages was the inability of power plants to perform in freezing temperatures. ERCOT ordered utility companies to reduce power demand to risk further damage to the grid. However,  transmission companies inadvertently cut power to part of the natural gas supply chain, worsening the situation. As a result, gas producers could not deliver enough fuel to power plants.

The storm left damage in its wake. Over 100 vehicles were involved in accidents. The storm impacted more than 60 wildlife species. The death toll rose to over 200. But the impact could have been worse without solar.

How Did Solar Help During the Storm?

Storms and increased demand often lead to electric grid outages. However, solar keeps generating energy even when the grid goes down. It accesses energy from the sun, helping businesses continue functioning and potentially saving lives.

So, how did it help Texans during the storm of 2021?

Texans do not expect much snow. Therefore, many of the state’s solar installations are not set up for snowfall, considering roof pitches and other mitigating factors. Hence, based on Austin statistics, energy production was reduced by 60%.

However, the panels supported generation despite limitations. Additionally, energy was generated on the days before snowfall despite cloudy conditions. Residents with a battery stored this power and utilized it during the storm.

Reduced Grid Demand

Solar panels also did their part by reducing grid demand. Statistics show that homes with solar panels had prolonged periods of negative grid demand during the days before and after the storm. They put more energy onto the grid than they took from it.  

On storm days, solar could not provide all the energy families needed, but it helped—solar reduced grid demand during the daytime by 37% and 7% at night.

If Texas had been better prepared, solar could have done even more to help people during the storm. For example, if residents had tapped into all their rooftop potential, it could have reduced dangers. However, it helped the state meet demand during 13 of the 20 peak load hours during the freeze.

Other Weather Risks in Texas

Texas is no stranger to inclement weather and power outages. Data shows it ranks second in the country for power outages. In the last 20 years, its blackout occurrences have exceeded all other states.

The following weather events often occur in the area:

• Cold Snaps:  The Texas storm of 2021 was followed by ‘the oakpocalypse’ of 2023, a sudden icy freeze that caused electrical damage due to overburdened trees.

• Hurricanes: The state’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico makes it a prime destination for hurricanes.

• Thunderstorms: Moisture from the Gulf of Mexico combines with the Texas heat to increase the risk of thunderstorms.

• Flash Flooding: Texas has been dubbed Flash Flood Alley due to its proclivity for extreme weather events that flood the area, taking down power lines and disrupting the grid.

• Tornados: The flatlands of Texas make it susceptible to tornados and high winds. Areas of Northern Texas have been nicknamed “Tornado Alley.”

Consider that Texas’s heat waves and winter freezes contribute to energy consumption, and you can see why the grid is at risk.

Texas is Getting Prepared

Fortunately, Texas residents are getting smart. They understand the risks and impacts of power outages, and more residents are turning to solar. Statistics show that solar energy in the state has grown 123-fold.

The addition of solar has helped Texas deal with immense heat during the heat wave 2023. The state’s nearly 70% of grid battery additions resulted in an additional capacity of 3300 MW, most of which came online after the storm. In 2022, the state surpassed California in new installations and tied on new grid battery installations.

Solar and wind energy provided 35% of statewide power during the 2023 heatwave, generating a record 31,500 MW and covering the 9,600 lost electricity when the extreme heat knocked coal and gas plants offline. Batteries kicked in at night, helping Texans get through the difficult time when the sun was setting, but air conditioners were still active.

Can Texans Do More to Get Prepared?

Texans have done a lot to prepare themselves for future storms and heat waves, but there is more individuals can do to ensure they are out of danger when outages occur. Here are some helpful suggestions.

Invest in Batteries

Solar is limited in that it does not produce energy at night. Production is also reduced in cloudy conditions. Batteries help by storing energy that is created when the sun is shining. Consider investing in a high-capacity, reliable battery to keep your home powered for extended periods.

Consider Angles and Orientation

During the storm of 2021, energy production was limited due to the pitch of the panels. Panels should be angled to allow snow to fall off quickly. Texans that weren’t prepared experienced reduced production due to accumulation.

Panels should also be angled to capture the sun. They should be low in the summer when the sun tends to be high in the sky and high in the winter when the sun sits low. Consider installing tracking technology to allow the panels to follow the sun as it moves across the sky.

Orientation is another matter. Because Texas is in the Northern Hemisphere, panels should be angled south for optimal production. However, some statistics show that Western orientation can reduce reliance on the grid.

Purchase High-Efficiency Panels

High-efficiency panels will absorb the most sunlight, ensuring optimal production. Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient but may be more than most households require. Polycrystalline panels are more suited to residences, offering the ideal combination of efficiency and value.

Efficiency can also vary depending on the manufacturer. Talk to your installer to determine the best panels for your home.

Remove Obstructions

Obstructions like trees and buildings may interfere with your panels’ ability to absorb sunlight and produce energy. Consider removing trees that block sunlight. Your installer may be able to angle panels to avoid shadows from surrounding structures. If that’s not possible, consider ground-mounted installation.

Clean Panels Regularly

Regular cleaning can remove dirt and debris that can interfere with solar production.

Consider Appliance Loads

Mapping out appliance loads will prepare you if a storm occurs. For example, some appliances, like HVACs, water heaters, washers, dryers, and ovens, use excessive energy. Plan to limit their use during power outages.

If you must use these appliances, set them for low power. For example, you may set your HVAC system on a low setting. Using cold water in washers and dishwashers also saves energy.

Distributing Power

Utility companies can also help by distributing power according to residential needs. For example, University of Texas at Austin research fellow Dave Tuttle mentions the benefits of an isolated grid. This strategy would provide power to some people, such as those with medical needs, while allowing the grid to catch up.

A Pecan Street report mentions the benefits of rolling blackouts, which were supposed to occur during the Texas storm to distribute power more evenly. Unfortunately, the system didn’t work as intended, and many areas experienced prolonged outages.

Overcoming Obstacles

Texas’s evolution to solar power can help the state function better if a storm occurs, but there are still obstacles to consider. Cost is a significant factor, especially in Texas, which has relatively low electricity costs. Infrastructure is another critical obstacle that makes it difficult for people in condos and apartment buildings to access solar power.

Solar America Can Help You Reach Your Solar Goals

Solar is emerging as a solution for cost and energy savings. It can also provide power when an outage occurs. This potential is especially valuable in storm-prone areas like Texas.

Cost can be an obstacle for residences considering solar conversion, but Solar America can help. Enter your information in our contact form. Our system will return a list of reliable providers in your area. Choose the one that’s best for you. Our competitive format guarantees the lowest prices.

Contact us when you’re ready to get started on your solar journey.