In 2010, Elon Musk funded 108 solar panels and battery backup for an Alabama centre
In 2010, Elon Musk's foundation funded a solar power system for a hurricane response center in Coden, Alabama. The project aimed to provide energy independence for the community while demonstrating alternatives to fossil fuels.
Why it matters
It highlights early philanthropic efforts by Musk in renewable energy and disaster resilience for vulnerable coastal communities.
Elon Musk funded a solar project in Alabama in 2010. The 25-kilowatt system, installed at the South Bay Communities Alliance (SBCA) Hurricane Response Center in Coden, Alabama, was designed to help the facility keep operating if a disaster knocked out the surrounding electricity grid. The installation included 108 photovoltaic panels and battery backup and was expected to provide about 90% to 100% of the centre’s electricity needs. Musk’s foundation provided the funding, while solar company SolarCity donated and installed the system. The project came as Coden was still dealing with the effects of Hurricane Katrina and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, which had affected the coastal community’s commercial fishing industry.Musk said the project was intended to help residents while demonstrating an alternative to dependence on oil.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in