Solar flares are huge gas eruptions from the surface of the sun. Their wide spectrum of electromagnetic waves may cause radios and GPS devices to malfunction. However, they have no effect on electronic circuits and heavy current. And thus no effect on off-grid power systems either. The ones to watch for are coronal mass ejections (CME) and electromagnetic pulses (EMP).
Comparing Solar Flares and CME’s
Coronal mass ejections involve the release of billions of tons of coronal matter, and at a speed of several millions of miles per hour. If a CME reaches the earth it can knock out entire electrical grids, and cause permanent damage to electronic devices.
On March 13th, 1989, astronomers observed a powerful explosion on the sun releasing a billion-ton cloud of gas. Within minutes, the entire Quebec Province of Canada blacked out, and stayed blacked-out for 12 hours. Because the energy waves had induced current in the transmission wires that exceeded the capacity of the transformers.
Electromagnetic Pulses Are the Ones to Fear
Solar flares and coronal mass ejections are outside human control, and can be extremely disruptive in the short term. But EMP’s are more dangerous.For they are short bursts of electromagnetic radiation that can destroy anything with a circuit. This includes computers, transformers, and off-grid storage batteries.
EMP’s can result from lightning strikes, electrostatic discharges, meteoric impacts, and coronal mass ejections too. They can also occur upon a nuclear explosion. Therefore, we are arguably the ones to fear most. Because we have the power in our hands to extinguish life.
How to Protect Yourself from a CME or EMP
In three words, turn everything off to isolate it from the power grid, and hopefully the effects of the solar event. The sun is sufficiently far away for astronomers to give at least some warning.
Turn the main breakers off, and any subsidiary ones serving the solar panels and batteries. Remain off-grid until the all clear. This may take several days. As explained, this is theoretically unnecessary in the case of solar flares.
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Preview Image: Aurora Borealis in Estonia
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1 Comment
I’m guessing that a large EMP would take out the alternator or even a generator from an older vehicle??