First, what exactly is energy resilience? It’s a term used to describe when energy sources are independent from outside suppliers. It is also used when talking about more stable energy systems, higher quality products and products that can withstand erratic weather patterns.
And why should solar installers and home improvement contractors care about resilient energy?
Because their homeowners care
As outlined by the residential SolarReviews annual review, extreme weather and disasters across the United States disrupted and threatened utility stability in 2021.
- During the Texas power crisis in February 2021, solar inquiries rose 850%.
- Throughout the summer wildfires in California, solar inquiries were up 358%.
- And the heatwave across the Pacific Northwest, consumer inquiries for residential solar estimates jumped 919%.
The stats show that homeowners are seeking out renewable systems and battery storage to increase their energy resilience and protect their power supply during natural crises.
Clean energy solutions can not only help homeowners save money (and the planet) — they also provide more resilient systems to withstand the elements of climate change. A well-functioning system better prepares homeowners for the influx of storms and natural disasters that can leave them vulnerable to power outages.
Solar energy storage in particular, allows homeowners to equip themselves with a longer-lasting energy supply in the case of service disruptions.
Sadly, intense weather patterns are on the rise. But the good news is — so are additional technologies like solar panels, EV chargers and battery storage. When homeowners choose these options, they can lessen their carbon footprint while also gaining a more reliable energy source.
Because it helps them (and the industry)
The shift to clean energy employs thousands of individuals on projects and helps to diversify the economy.
An April 2021 study from E2 shows that clean energy projects employed more than three million Americans in 2020. And, according to an article from Zippia dated October 2021, clean energy jobs increased 70% faster than the total nationwide job growth rate 2015 to 2019, job prospects are only expected to rise as more clean energy initiatives are created.
These numbers show that energy resilience also leads to economic resilience, promising profitable career paths in sustainability, construction, installation and more.
Widespread, government-supported renewable energy projects could allow the United States to produce eco-friendly, resilient systems through clean energy, strengthening our economy, creating more job prospects and lowering our national emissions.
The developing sector of sustainable home improvements, led by professionals like contractors and distributors, are changing the long precedent of household fossil fuel reliance, giving communities cleaner and more reliable options.
The adoption of clean energy can not only help to grow local and state economies, but it can also reduce the reliance on fossil fuels at home and abroad.
Because it’s good for the country (and the planet)
And with the increased impact of climate change and the negative repercussions of fossil fuel, generating clean energy is an even higher priority for homeowners and nations alike.
Home improvement contractors and solar installers can help their homeowner customers invest in solutions such as solar panels and battery storage, high-efficiency electric HVAC systems and EV charging stations to further their resiliency.