Seasonal Stories: Staying Resilient During Hurricane Season with Solar and Storage
A house with rooftop solar and paired battery storage uses electricity on a dark night.
September marks the peak of hurricane season across the Atlantic and Gulf Coast. For many homeowners, it’s a time of preparation. Stocking up on essentials, checking emergency kits, and making sure backup plans are in place. Hurricane Helene’s continued impact on western Carolina and the historic flooding in central Carolina caused by Tropical Storm Chantal this past summer, has further underscored how immediate and close-to-home environmental devastation has become and how essential and life-saving preparation is.
Satellite imagery of Tropical Storm Helene over the Carolinas on Friday, September 27 at 8:00 am. (Image by NOAA/GOES East) - Featured here.
Satellite imagery of Tropical Depression Chantal over the Carolinas on July 6, 2025. (Image by NOAA/GOES East) - Featured here.
One tool that is becoming increasingly valuable during this time of year is solar energy paired with battery storage. Together, they offer a reliable way to keep the lights on when the grid goes down.
Why Solar Alone Isn’t Always Enough During Hurricanes
Solar panels can generate electricity as long as the sun is shining, but in most grid-tied systems, power shuts off during outages to protect utility workers. That means if the grid goes down after a storm, a solar-only home is left in the dark too, but solar paired with battery storage changes that.
The Benefits of Battery Storage During Storm Season
Backup Power for Critical Needs
With a solar + storage system, excess solar energy is stored in batteries and used during outages. That means refrigerators, medical devices, lights, and communication devices can stay powered even if the neighborhood is without electricity for days.
Energy Independence and Peace of Mind
Instead of relying on gas-powered generators which can be noisy, costly, and difficult to fuel during disasters, battery storage provides a clean, quiet, and automatic source of backup power.Smarter Use of Solar Energy
On sunny days before and after a storm, panels charge the battery, ensuring you have a full reserve when you need it most. Even during partly cloudy conditions, panels can keep topping up the battery, extending your home’s resilience.
Solar and Storage from EnerWealth
Learn how you can go solar and receive battery storage with our residential solar lease. Key features of the lease include:
Zero Money Down
Customers can go solar with no upfront costs.Predictable Payments
Our lease agreement spells out each monthly payment over the 25-year lease term with a modest escalator. No surprise payments or ballooning balances.Built-in Battery Storage
This is a critical value-add in an era of grid instability & extreme climate events.Simplified Ownership
We handle all system monitoring, maintenance, & repairs for the duration of the lease & are backed up by a 24/7 call center. This removes the hassle & responsibility from the homeowner.No Tax Credit Hassle
Since EnerWealth owns the system & claims the tax credit, homeowners don’t have to worry about complex tax filings or worrying about if they qualify for the full amount or not.
Cited Sources
Davis, Corey. “Rapid Reaction: Historic Flooding Follows Helene in Western NC.” North Carolina State Climate Office, 30 Sept. 2024, climate.ncsu.edu/blog/2024/09/rapid-reaction-historic-flooding-follows-helene-in-western-nc/.
Davis, Corey. “Rapid Reaction: Tropical Storm Chantal Soaks Central North Carolina.” North Carolina State Climate Office, 7 July 2025, climate.ncsu.edu/blog/2025/07/rapid-reaction-tropical-storm-chantal-soaks-central-north-carolina/.
Solar Trek. “Preparing for Hurricane Season: The Resilience of Solar Panels in Extreme Weather.” Solar Trek, 1 Apr. 2025, gosolartrek.com/preparing-for-hurricane-season-the-resilience-of-solar-panels-in-extreme-weather.
Solar, Advance. “Stay Powered during Hurricanes: Key Benefits of Solar Electric and Battery Backup - Advance Solar.” Advance Solar & Spa, 13 Aug. 2025, advancesolar.com/stay-powered-during-hurricanes-key-benefits-of-solar-electric-and-battery-backup/.
“What Are Benefits of Solar Panels and Renewable Energy for Homes: Sundance Power Systems IncSolar Battery Storage System Cost.” Sundance, 23 July 2025, www.sundancepower.com/solar-battery-storage-backup/solar-battery-backup-systems-how-to-prepare-for-hurricane-season/.