Overview

This study by CH2M HILL was conducted to explore practical applications of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology into the City’s emergency preparedness activities. Solar energy has the potential to power emergency housing, shelters, generators, vehicles, and water and communications systems, while reducing emissions from gasoline or diesel-powered generators.

Potential Applications

This study assessed the following emergency solar applications:

Solar power for provisional housing and scaled photovoltaics for facility/residential use

Solar thermal collectors

Portable solar generation

Water purification system

Water pumping

Photovoltaic arrays and laminates for vehicles

Communication repeaters

Direct power for communications

Portable lighting

Fold-out panels for small-scale/ad hoc use

Findings

Based on a number of criteria defined by participants from the New York City Office of Emergency Management (OEM), the study found that six of the above applications were feasible for immediate implementation. The highest scoring applications were portable lighting, fold-out panels, and PV arrays and laminates for vehicles. These three applications performed well when evaluated against criteria such as cost, ease of implementation, and visibility to the public. Additional important criteria were their proven effectiveness in the past, ability to supplement other power sources, and ease of purchase, maintenance, and upgrades.