Solar "Hub Home" Program Supports Houston Residents When The Electricity Goes Out - CleanTechnica

The article discusses a pilot program in northern Houston that provides solar panels and residential battery storage to support residents during power outages. In the U.S., electricity distribution is typically monopolized by a single company per area, which ensures consistent voltage and frequency but leaves residents vulnerable when the grid fails. This vulnerability became starkly apparent during Texas’s 2021 winter storm Uri, which caused prolonged outages and led to numerous deaths, especially among vulnerable populations relying on unsafe heating methods. In response, West Street Recovery, a Houston nonprofit, initially distributed generators to share among neighbors, highlighting the need for more resilient energy solutions. Solar United Neighbors, a nonprofit from Washington, DC, partnered with the Hive Fund to supply solar panels and batteries at no cost to select homes in northern Houston. The Hive Fund focuses on supporting climate justice initiatives in the U.S. South, particularly those led by historically marginalized communities, aiming to reduce pollution and promote clean energy. Despite political opposition in Texas, this program offers a critical alternative energy