SOLAR 2014: DISASTER: EXPANDING MARKET FOR SOLAR

摘要

In 1989, a small group of solar companies provided portable solar electric (photovoltaic) devices to a few survivors of Hurricane Hugo who were without power for lights, communication, water, medical equipment and other necessities. At that time, the solar industry was producing consumer items and stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) systems with energy storage that happened to meet the need for electricity caused by the hurricane. As a result, anew market was born. None of the items sent to the impacted area were originally designed for disaster relief, but they were amenable to disaster relief energy needs. The solar industry has since learned much about disasters and disaster relief entities have learned about the value of solar applications. More solar products are being designed for use during power outages and as emergency power backup systems. Utility power is becoming more resilient and reliable as renewable energy sources are implemented into distributive generation and microgrid applications. Sustainability using renewables results in disaster resistance buildings.