Recent bouts of extreme rainfall have unleashed disastrous flooding across the Midwest, extending from Minnesota to
Nebraska and beyond. The severe weather has wrought havoc on communities, resulting in widespread power outages that
left thousands in the dark.
This season of storms has sparked urgent discussions about the need for stronger power grid infrastructure - and that includes the increasing importance of individual homes having their own source of power behind the meter. Independence from utility companies is becoming a matter of safety, and midwestern contractors are likely to see many new solar leads driven by this motive.
One Extreme Spring
In June, Minnesota experienced record-breaking flooding. The deluge resulted in the partial failure of the Rapidan Dam,
causing extensive damage to nearby areas and leading to significant power outages. More than 10,000 homes in northern
Minnesota lost electricity. Some residents endured days without power as crews battled against conditions to restore services.
Iowa also faced severe weather, including tornadoes that compounded the damage caused by flooding. The state’s governor, Kim Reynolds, declared a disaster recovery effort, noting the widespread destruction in both urban and rural areas. Thousands of Iowans were left without power, and utility companies were struggling to keep up with the repair demands.
This weather was so widespread it reached all the way down south in Texas, bringing similar chaos. East Texas was particularly hard hit: over 15,000 homes went unplugged in prolonged power outages. Residents faced not only floodwaters but also extreme heat, making many of those in blackout zones doubly exposed to danger. Now, in the wake of Hurricane Beryl, Texas is again suffering an even more severe situation.
Better Power Solutions Are Needed
As power failures caused further hardships in these catastrophe areas, the people of the central U.S. have again voiced the
need for a stronger power grid. Traditional grid infrastructure is often outdated and ill-prepared for the severity of weather
patterns under climate change, making blackouts an increasingly common occurrence. This reality has intensified calls for a
grid that includes more distributed energy resources.
Solar power, particularly residential solar systems, can be a big part of the solution. Homeowners equipped with solar panels and battery storage systems can maintain power during grid outages, mitigating the impact of extreme weather events and ensuring local disaster resources aren’t overly strained.
These recent storms have driven more residents to consider solar installations. After making it through extended outages, many are recognizing how having an independent power source can keep them safer through threatening conditions. For those who are having to repair or rebuild their homes, solar installations are becoming a must-have upgrade.
Finding High-Quality Solar Leads Amid the Spike in Interest
As the Midwest grapples with the storm aftermath, solar contractors can expect an influx of residents seeking dependable
energy solutions. However, navigating this surge will require a careful approach. Without a strategy in place, contractors can
easily lose too much time to prospects who aren’t yet ready to commit.
Top solar lead companies like Grid Freedom can step in as crucial partners here, offering a streamlined process to connect with already qualified leads. Our service provides confirmed appointments with homeowners who have undergone a full screening process, ensuring that contractors meet only with those who are informed and prepared for solar adoption. This efficiency is key in the current circumstances, where many homeowners are exploring solar options but aren’t actually in a position to install them.
