by Renu Energy | May 15, 2025 | Energy Storage, Residential
As hurricane season approaches, residents of the Carolinas must prepare for potential severe weather events. As a trusted solar installer in the Carolinas, Renu Energy Solutions emphasizes the importance of reliable and sustainable energy.
This guide provides insight into how solar + battery backup gives the homeowner energy peace of mind during the severe weather season. Included in this guide are practical steps to ensure that a solar and energy storage system is prepared to keep a home powered through severe weather and power outage events.
Understanding Hurricane Risks in the Carolinas
The Carolinas are susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms, leading to widespread power outages and infrastructure damage. Recent events, like Hurricane Helene, have emphasized the need for being prepared. Understanding an area’s specific risks is the first step in effective preparation.
The Role of Solar Energy Storage in Severe Weather Preparation
Solar energy combined with backup batteries provides a reliable power source during outages. These systems ensure essential appliances and devices remain operational when the grid fails. Investing in solar energy storage enhances a home’s resilience against severe weather impacts.
Features of Smart Energy Storage Systems
Systems like Tesla’s Powerwall 3 offer features such as Storm Watch, which automatically charges the battery to full capacity when a storm is forecasted. These smart features ensure maximum energy availability during critical times. Monitoring and managing energy usage is seamless with integrated mobile apps.
Preparing Solar and Battery Systems for Hurricanes
To ensure a solar and battery systems are ready for severe weather, follow these key steps:
- Fully Charge the Battery: Before a storm, ensure the backup battery is fully charged to provide maximum power during potential outages.
- Activate Storm Readiness Features: Enable features like Tesla’s Storm Watch, Enphase’s Storm Guard, or FranklinWH’s Emergency Backup mode to optimize energy storage in anticipation of severe weather.
- Adjust Backup Reserve Settings: Configure the system’s backup reserve to allocate sufficient energy for critical needs during outages, and ensure the battery does not fall below the manufacturer’s recommended minimum charge.
- Inspect and Maintain the System: Regularly inspect the panels and battery for any obvious issues, and ensure energy management apps are up to date. Reach out to a trusted solar service provider such as Sun Service Specialists if there are any issues with a system.
- Conserve Energy During Outages: Limit the use of high-power appliances and focus on essentials like lighting and refrigeration to extend battery life.
For more detailed guidance, refer to our comprehensive article on preparing your backup battery.
Additional Severe Weather Preparedness Tips
Preparing for severe weather doesn’t require drastic measures. Here are some straightforward steps to help stay comfortable and informed:
- Stay Informed: Keep up with local weather updates through trusted sources like the National Weather Service.
- Review Emergency Plans: Ensure everyone in a household knows the plan, including evacuation routes and communication methods.
- Assemble a Basic Emergency Kit: Include essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, and basic needs.
- Secure Outdoor Items: Bring in or tie down outdoor furniture and other items that could be picked up by strong winds.
- Check the Home’s Drainage: Clear gutters and downspouts to prevent water buildup and reduce the risk of flooding.
By taking these practical steps, homeowners can enhance comfort and safety during severe weather events without unnecessary stress.
Conclusion
Being proactive in severe weather preparation not only safeguards a home but also ensures the well-being of loved ones. With solar energy storage from Renu Energy Solutions, homeowners face the hurricane season with confidence, knowing they are equipped to handle power disruptions effectively.
For more information on enhancing a home’s resilience with solar energy storage with backup batteries, contact Renu Energy Solutions today. Renu is dedicated to providing reliable energy solutions tailored to a homeowner’s needs.
by Renu Energy | Apr 16, 2025 | Residential
This Earth Day, we’re showing up big! Renu Energy Solutions is excited to be part of six Earth Day events across the Carolinas. Whether you’re looking for local vendors, fun activities for the family, or ways to make your home greener—we’ll be there, and we’d love to see you.
Here’s a look at where we’ll be celebrating:
April 12th: Charlotte Earth Day at Independent Picture House
📍 4237 Raleigh St, Charlotte, NC
🔗 charlotteearthday
This family-friendly celebration is an interactive, inspiring kickoff to Earth Day season! Hosted by Inner Path to Healing and PBS NC, the event features hands-on activities, PBS KIDS-themed stations, and tools to support children’s development. Renu Energy Solutions will be on-site to help families and homeowners learn how solar can make their homes more sustainable—and more affordable. Stop by and explore how clean energy starts at home.
April 22nd: Greener Home, Better Earth – Asheville
📍 The Collider, 1 Haywood St, Asheville, NC
🔗 greenerhomebetterearth
Join Renu for a one-of-a-kind Earth Day event designed to highlight home efficiency and green incentives. This gathering brings together energy experts, rebate programs, and sustainability advocates to help homeowners learn about solar, smart thermostats, EV chargers, insulation, and more. We’ll be serving up appetizers and refreshments, celebrating local sustainability champions, and helping Asheville homeowners connect the dots between energy savings and environmental impact.
April 26: Davidson Earth Day Festival
📍 35 Lorimer Rd, Davidson, NC
🔗 davidsonearthday
This classic small-town festival is full of heart—and Earth! With eco-vendors, food trucks, family crafts, and community-led initiatives, the Davidson Earth Day Festival is the perfect way to spend a Saturday outdoors. Renu Energy Solutions will be there to help locals discover how solar power can reduce their bills and their carbon footprint.
April 26: PEA Earth Day Fair – Winston-Salem
📍 Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, Gate 7
🔗 peaearthdayfair
Hosted by the Piedmont Environmental Alliance, this is one of the region’s most dynamic Earth Day celebrations—featuring live music, local food vendors, educational exhibits, and interactive activities for all ages. Renu Energy Solutions will be there to help homeowners explore how solar energy can lower utility bills, increase energy independence, and unlock valuable local and federal incentives.
Plus, our commercial solar team will be on-site to support local business owners and property managers interested in making their operations more sustainable. Whether you’re curious about residential solar or ready to explore a large-scale system for your business, stop by and discover how solar can work for you.
April 26: Greenville Earth Day Festival
📍 Pangaea Brewing, PKL Park, & Southernside Brewing, Greenville, SC
🔗 gvlearthday
Three venues, one big green goal. This fun, laid-back festival combines local brews, outdoor games, and sustainability exhibits for a full afternoon of community celebration. Be sure to bring your power bill to Renu’s booth—we’ll do a quick savings estimate, and you’ll receive a free tree to take home and plant. It’s a win for your wallet and the planet!
April 27: City of Durham Earth Day Festival
📍 Durham Central Park, 501 Foster St, Durham, NC
🔗 durhamearthday
One of the Triangle’s largest Earth Day events, the Durham festival is a free, high-energy celebration packed with live music, food trucks, interactive exhibits, and a bustling green market. Renu Energy Solutions will be there to help families and homeowners understand how going solar can make a long-term impact—on both the environment and your energy bills.
Come Say Hello!
We’ll be at each of these events sharing how solar energy can help you save money, reduce your environmental impact, and take advantage of generous local rebates and incentives. Whether you’re solar-curious, ready to make the switch, or just enjoying a fun day out—we can’t wait to meet you!
by Renu Energy | Mar 24, 2025 | Energy Storage, Residential
As we welcome March, we also embrace longer days with daylight saving time and the official start of Spring! More sunlight isn’t just great for outdoor activities—it’s also a major benefit for homeowners looking to maximize their energy savings with solar power.
Why More Sun Means More Savings
Did you know that homes with solar panels can generate up to 80% more energy in the summer compared to the winter months?* That’s because longer days and increased sunlight exposure allow solar panels to produce more electricity, reducing your reliance on the grid and lowering your utility bills.
By switching to solar now, your system could be fully operational by the time the most productive months of the year arrive, ensuring you get the maximum return on your investment.
Maximize Your Energy with Solar + Battery Storage
Solar energy isn’t just about producing power during the day—it’s also about storing energy for when you need it most. With a solar + battery backup solution, you can capture excess energy produced during peak daylight hours and use it later – whether at night, during peak-rate times, or in case of a power outage. This means:
- Less reliance on the grid
- Greater energy independence
- Peace of mind during unexpected outages
Why Spring is the Perfect Time to Make the Switch
Spring is a prime season for solar installations. By making the switch now, your system will be up and running just in time for summer—when solar production is at its highest. This allows you to start saving immediately while taking advantage of incentives and rebates that may be available in your area.
Take Control of Your Energy Future
Don’t wait until peak summer rates kick in—start saving now! Contact Renu Energy Solutions today for a free consultation and see how much you could be saving with solar.
*Source: Duracell Energy
by Renu Energy | Feb 4, 2025 | Residential
The Rising Cost of Power
In 2020, the average homeowner’s power bill was around $100 – but today, that cost has more than doubled with the average homeowner now paying over $200. Several factors contribute to this rise, including the increasing costs of maintaining the grid and the volatility of energy prices. Utility companies continue to pass these rising costs onto consumers, leaving homeowners with little control over their monthly bills. Without solar, you’re essentially renting your power from the grid, paying a monthly fee just to access electricity. However, when you choose solar, you take control of your energy. By generating your own power through solar panels, you can reduce or even eliminate your reliance on the utility company, protecting yourself from future rate hikes.
What’s even better? By adding a battery to your system, you can eliminate your dependence on the grid entirely. With solar + battery storage, you not only create your own energy but also store backup power for emergencies. This means that when the grid goes down due to storms, power outages, or unexpected failures, your home stays powered, keeping your lights on and your appliances running. Energy independence is more than just a convenience—it’s peace of mind, ensuring that you and your family have reliable electricity when you need it most.
The Financial Benefits of Switching to Solar
Switching to solar isn’t just about personal benefits—it’s also a smart financial decision. When you install solar, you gain access to a 30% federal tax credit, lowering your taxable income. Many states and utility companies also offer additional incentives, making solar even more affordable. Over time, your solar investment pays for itself through lower energy bills, increased home value, and long-term savings. Instead of throwing money away on ever-increasing electric bills, why not put that money toward something you own?
Solar Power and a Sustainable Future
Beyond financial savings, solar power contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable future. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, you help lower carbon emissions and decrease the overall demand for energy produced by traditional power plants. Many homeowners who go solar are not just thinking about their own energy needs but are also helping to strengthen the grid and support a more resilient energy infrastructure. When more homes generate their own power, the strain on the grid decreases, benefiting the entire community.
So, why keep renting your power when you can generate, store and own your energy? Making the switch to solar is an investment in your home, your finances and a more sustainable future. Take control of your energy and start saving today!
by Renu Energy | Jan 17, 2025 | Energy Storage
Winter is here bringing colder temperatures and unpredictable weather. If you own a solar and backup battery system, now is the time to ensure everything is ready to keep your home powered through the season. Here are practical tips to help you maximize your system’s performance and maintain peace of mind during the winter months.
1. Prioritize Essential Loads
In the event of a grid outage, focus on powering only the most critical appliances and devices such as heating, refrigeration, and medical equipment. Limit the usage of things such as washers, dryers and dishwashers. Limiting non-essential energy use extends your backup battery’s life, ensuring power for what matters most.
2. Activate Your Feature In Your Manufacturer’s App
If your system has a storm watch feature, enable it. This setting allows your battery to anticipate incoming severe weather from the National Weather Service by optimizing energy storage in advance, giving you added confidence when storms are on the horizon.
3. Fully Charge Your Battery
Ahead of any expected power outages, make sure your battery is fully charged. A fully charged battery provides maximum backup power, helping you stay prepared for grid outages.
4. Adjust Your Backup Reserve Settings
Take advantage of your system’s customizable backup reserve settings. This feature lets you allocate a specific portion of your battery’s energy for outages, ensuring you’ll have power when it’s most critical. It is extremely important that you do not let your battery get below 0% charge.
6. Stay Updated with Your Battery Manufacturer
Check your battery manufacturer’s guidelines for updates and recommendations. Regular maintenance and software updates can improve system performance and ensure your battery operates efficiently during the winter months.
7. Understand Solar Production Limits
Solar panels rely on sunlight to generate energy. During a grid outage at night time, you will be completely reliant on the grid if you do not have a battery. If you do have a battery, be mindful and use the tips above to help you stay powered.
Why These Tips Matter
By following these simple steps, you’ll maximize the reliability and efficiency of your solar and backup battery system. These practices not only help you prepare for winter weather but also ensure your home stays powered, safe, and comfortable throughout the season.
At Renu Energy Solutions, we’re here to help you get the most out of your solar and battery setup. Whether you need expert advice or assistance with your system, we’re just a call away.
Stay warm, stay powered, and enjoy the season!
