News outlets are warning folks in the US of potential power outages during the upcoming solar eclipse.
But is this actually something to worry about or fear-mongering at its finest?
Today, we’re diving into the details of this celestial event to help you plan for the effects.
Let’s get into it!
2024 Solar Eclipse Could Interrupt Your Life
Officials responsible for America’s growing solar-powered electrical grid are gearing up for a potential hit. In early April, a total eclipse will block the sun from millions of panels tasked with collecting its energy. While operators have a plan in place, the effects aren’t entirely known.
With the country’s expanding dependence on solar power, this eclipse has some folks worried. Capacity for this type of energy has tripled in the US since the last event in 2017. Today, states like California get about 20% of their power from the source.
Although we experienced an annular eclipse in 2023, it still allowed about 10% of the sun’s rays to reach Earth. During that occurrence, Texas’ solar grid output dropped to 13% of its standard clear-sky amounts.
The moon will block even more sunlight during the 2024 event.
What Exactly is a Solar Eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between Earth and the sun, blocking all or part of its light from reaching our planet. During an annular eclipse, like the one in October 2023, our satellite is farther from Earth and blocks less light. In fact, you can see a ring of fire around the moon for a brief period.
A total eclipse is different. It happens when the moon is closer to our planet, completely covering our precious sunlight. This is what you can expect on the afternoon of April 8, 2024.
The line of totality, or center point of the event where the effects will be the most apparent, will span from Mexico to Maine over several hours. Places along the path, including Dallas, TX, Buffalo, NY, and Burlington, VT, will experience darkness for up to four minutes and 25 seconds.
The April event will be the last of its kind in the US until August 23, 2044.
Interestingly, we enter an eclipse season every six months or so. There’s a total eclipse somewhere on Earth roughly every 18 months, but they only occur over the same geographical region every 360 to 410 years. When one happens in your area, you won’t want to miss it!
It may be too late, but you can try to Make Your Reservations Now for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse.
Can the Solar Eclipse Cause Power Outages?
Folks along the path of totality might be concerned about losing power during the solar eclipse. While we know the 2017 event didn’t disrupt electrical service, more Americans today rely on the sun’s energy.
However, you should be just fine if you’re hooked up to the grid.
Solar power companies have worked hard to partner with utility services, gas providers, hydroelectric plants, and others in the industry to offset the drop in sunlight during the celestial event. Backup plans have been in place for months and even years, particularly in areas where a large portion of energy comes from the sun.
Of course, the solar eclipse will strain the power grid in certain areas. Energy redistribution comes at a cost, and systems that run at specified capacities must adjust to temporary changes in output. But there’s no reason to believe that failure is likely to occur.
Pro Tip: Check out the National Park Service website for an interactive map of the eclipse’s path.
Will RVers Feel the Effects of this Event?
The short answer here is no, not really.
If your RV has solar panels, it also has an energy bank where that power is stored until you need it. Think of it like running your appliances at night. The lights still turn on even though the sun isn’t shining.
That being said, you’ll want to ensure your backup batteries are charged. While the phenomenon only lasts a few hours, it’s best to ensure you have a full tank, so to speak. This is especially true when you know a shortage is on the way.
The real question is where you’ll want to travel for front-row seats to this cosmic spectacle.
These are 5 Problematic Mistakes RVers Make with Solar Power.
Where is the Best Place to See the 2024 Solar Eclipse?
Now that you can rest easy knowing we likely won’t see a catastrophic electrical grid failure, you might wonder where you can experience this rare event for yourself.
One spot to consider is Paris, TX, which will host an Xscapers Solar Eclipse Convergence. Escapees RV Club members will be in town from April 6 to 14. It promises to be an excellent time for the whole family!
If you’d rather experience the event in a bit more solitude, consider some of the public lands within the path of totality. Waco Mammoth National Monument, Ozark National Scenic Riverway, and Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument are all along the route.
Remember that looking directly at the sun can cause severe damage to your eyes, even when the moon mostly obscures it. You’ll need eclipse glasses to protect your vision while giving you an excellent view of the spectacle.
You can even look cool watching the eclipse in these Medical King Solar Eclipse Glasses.
The Path of Totality is Calling
Some media outlets might encourage people to stock up on toilet paper and hunker down for the end of the world. However, this event is a reason to celebrate, not run for the hills. Even if the solar eclipse causes some power interruptions, they shouldn’t last long.
In the meantime, book a campsite along the path of totality and make sure you have your eclipse glasses handy. It’s going to be an event for the history books!
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