One Florida Community Kept Their Power On During Hurricanes Helene & Milton: Here's How

Hunters PointPhoto byOCMM

As parts of Florida went dark from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the lights stayed on in the net-zero, storm-resistant community in the middle of the storms

Fort Lauderdale, FL – In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which left millions of Floridians without power, the Hunters Point community in Cortez, Florida, stood as a beacon of light, sustainability, and resilience. Developed by Pearl Homes, this net-zero community not only kept the lights on but also showcased the future of sustainable living in Florida.

Hunters Point, located in Cortez, Florida, is a small waterfront community that has faced its share of challenges from hurricanes and tropical storms. In response to these threats, Pearl Homes, a development company, set out to create a sustainable and resilient neighborhood that could withstand extreme weather conditions. The result is a net-zero community that produces as much energy as it consumes, minimizing its reliance on the grid.

How the Development Kept the Lights On
Hunters Point is designed to be a net-zero community, meaning it produces more energy than it consumes. This is achieved through a combination of solar panels and advanced battery storage systems. Each home in the community is equipped with solar panels that generate electricity, which is then stored in Sonnen battery systems. These batteries can power essential household functions even when the grid goes down.

Hunters Point HomesPhoto byOCMM

During Hurricane Milton, for instance, the power went out around 9 p.m., but the battery systems in each home took over almost instantly. This seamless transition is made possible by the nano-grid technology, which disconnects from the main grid and forms a self-sustaining power system for each home.

The community has won several awards, from the LEED Homes Award to the Cross Border Builders Challenge by RESNET.

The Technology Behind It
The homes in Hunters Point are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure energy efficiency and resilience. Key features include:

• Solar Panels: Installed on the roofs of each home, these panels generate electricity from sunlight.
• Sonnen Battery Systems: These batteries store excess energy generated by the solar panels and provide power during outages.
• Nanogrid Technology: This system allows each home to operate independently from the main grid during power outages.
• Smart Home Controls: Residents can monitor and control their energy usage, lighting, and security remotely.
• Energy-Efficient Homes: Energy-efficient homes are designed with energy efficiency in mind, featuring advanced insulation, windows,

Batter SystemPhoto byOCMM

Benefits and Results
The benefits of Pearl Homes' net-zero community are numerous:

• Resilience
  The community's energy infrastructure allowed it to maintain power during Hurricanes Helena and Milton while neighboring areas experienced widespread outages.
• Sustainability
  The community reduces its carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels by producing its own energy.
• Cost Savings
  Residents enjoy lower energy bills thanks to the community's energy-efficient design and solar power generation.
• Increased Property Value
  The community's innovative features and resilience have increased property values, making it an attractive option for homebuyers.

Resilience Against Storms
The homes in Hunters Point are built to withstand severe weather conditions. They feature sturdy concrete walls, hurricane-proof windows and doors, and foam insulation for added protection. The streets are designed to flood intentionally, preventing water from entering the homes. Power and internet lines are buried to avoid wind damage.

The community's resilience during the hurricane demonstrated the practical benefits of net-zero energy designs beyond their environmental impact. It showcased how sustainable communities can provide energy security during extreme weather events, which are becoming increasingly common due to climate change.

Forward Together
Hunters Point stands as proof of concept for the potential of sustainable living. By combining advanced technology with resilient construction, Pearl Homes has created a community that not only survives but thrives in the face of natural disasters. As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, Hunters Point offers a glimpse into a future where communities can be both sustainable and resilient.

Pearl Homes' net-zero community in Hunters Point serves as a model for sustainable living and community resilience. By leveraging innovative energy solutions and smart design, the community has demonstrated its ability to withstand extreme weather events and provide a high quality of life for its residents. As the world continues to grapple with climate change and energy sustainability, Pearl Homes' approach offers a promising solution for the future.

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