We already suspected it because there was no cell phone signal, but as soon as we found out through the solar powered radio that the blackout was general my wife gave the order. Let's buy a battery and a solar panel.
We went to a sound systems store that sells solar components when they are available. Just the day before they announced over facebook that they got their hands on a new shipments of AGM batteries and their prices were very good.
The first thing I noticed was that even when there was no power, the lights were on and the AC was on. There was no numbing sounds of diesel generators or noxious fumes fouling the air. The place runs exclusively on solar panels and batteries. The owner later told me that they have been off grid for a year now. I found the battery I needed at a reasonable price with a two year warranty with the store. They had me at hello.
Regrettably, the owner tells me that since the storm they run out of solar panels as soon as they can get them. I needed the panel so I left and went to an actual solar panel store that just recently opened in my town.
Again, while there was no power anywhere, this store had lights on, AC on and was brimming with customers and employees. The first thing I see when I walk in is a Tesla Powerwall. It is such a beautiful battery that I thought it was for display. However, when I examine it closely the darn thing is connected. It was actually running the store! This turned out to be a good day, even without power.
I think renewables/storage is about to go viral in PR. Reliability of the grid and the certain price hikes that are coming will make the case for solar even better than it already is.