100% Solar Town Survives Hurricane Ian Without Shutting Down

Babcock Ranch is what Florida is like in the postcards. The neighborhood, touted as America’s “first solar-powered town,” is teeming with palm trees, sunshine, and happy families unaffected by pressing problems like climate change. Most of all, it’s pretty much relentless toward some of the devastating effects of natural disasters faced by surrounding towns.

Its claims were finally put to the test when Hurricane Ian rolled in and caused significant damage across western Cuba and the southeast United States, most particularly in Florida and South Carolina, CNN reports.

While the deadly cyclone took out parts of the nearby Fort Myers and Naples with its over 100-mph winds, and shut down power for more than 2.6 million Florida residents, Babcock Ranch’s electricity, water, and internet connection stayed alive.

Some trees were knocked down and roof fragments were dislodged, but no other dire wreckage was reported. For a near-Category 5 storm, that’s saying something.

First open to residents in 2018, Babcock Ranch is a fairly new neighborhood. The pretty picture is modeled after former NFL player Syd Kitson’s childhood hometown in Orange, New Jersey, all while depending wholly on renewable energy and upholding Florida’s strict building regulations.

Babcock Ranch, situated on 18,000 acres of land, is next to a giant solar array of 700,000 panels, which generate more electricity than the capacity consumed by the town’s 2,000 homes. Functioning like a regular neighborhood, it has retail locations, dining establishments, a school, a daycare facility, and playgrounds.

Clever landscape planning ensures that the streets flood—while houses keep dry—and the natural landscape helps with irrigation of runoff. All dwellings have been awarded at least a Bronze from the Florida Green Building Coalition, and they’re also constructed from sustainable materials.

Meanwhile, the town’s power and internet lines are buried underground to keep out of storms.

The houses face green spaces, with much of the landscaping dominated by native foliage. For additional food, residents and dining businesses can obtain produce at Babcock Ranch’s community gardens. Of course, the town also promises views of Babcock’s namesake lake.

Many Babcock Ranch residents drive electric cars. This is the Sunshine State, after all, where solar power is abundant.

Relieved that the town has delivered on its promise, homeowners are lauding it as proof that fully sustainable eco neighborhoods are attainable, so long as there’s the right vision in place and the community works together in harmony.

[via CNN and Forbes, images via Babcock Ranch]