Wait — perhaps the 3.2 kWh/person/day is baseline, but during storm, demand continues, and panels don’t generate. But no stored energy is specified. But in colonization, storage is critical.

Sun, 03 May 2026 16:27:13 +0000

Understanding Energy Demand and Storage in Extreme Storm Conditions: Why Baseline kWh/person/Daily Isn’t Enough When considering sustainable energy systems for resilient living—especially in scenarios like planetary colonization or disaster-prone regions—the baseline energy consumption of 3.2 kWh per person per day is often cited as a foundational metric. This figure reflects average daily electricity use for essentials like lighting, communication devices, medical equipment, small appliances, and climate control. But what happens when extreme weather strikes—such as storms that cripple energy infrastructure—and solar panels produce little to no power? The risk becomes stark: demand persists while supply vanishes. ### The Hidden Crisis: Demand Remains, No Solar Generation Typically, baseline energy numbers assume consistent power availability. Yet during prolonged storms, solar generation drops significantly or ceases entirely due to cloud cover, debris, or physical damage to panels. Without sufficient stored energy, essential systems falter. For colonies or off-grid habitats—where maintenance windows are limited and resupply risky—this gap poses a critical threat.