Solar Energy in Hurricane Sandy's Aftermath

Tuesday, November 6th 2012 2:44 PM

By GetSolar Staff.

After Hurricane Sandy battered the Eastern Seaboard with heavy winds, rain and torrential flooding, millions of people from Maine to the Caribbean islands were left picking up the pieces. According to the Department of Energy's Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, more than 1.3 million Americans still did not have electricity on November 5.

Yet, out of the disaster emerged a ray of hope - solar panels. In the aftermath tales were told of how solar installations were able to withstand the forces of nature, and how photovoltaic power was able to help those in need. The superstorm also provided lessons of how solar energy projects can be improved to ensure people have a steady supply of electricity in the event of a future power outage.

Solar-Powered Philanthropy
New York and New Jersey were among the states hardest hit by the storm, and there photovoltaic panels proved most useful in providing power to those forced to go days without electricity, heat or water.