Solar Electric Supply, Inc. Supplies Critical Backup Power System for Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe
A FEMA-Funded $3.8M Tsunami Evacuation Tower in WA State
July 2021
Scotts Valley, CA, July 2021 - Solar Electric Supply (SES) a leading provider of innovative solar energy solutions, has successfully designed and supplied an advanced critical backup power system for the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe's tsunami evacuation tower in Tokeland, Washington. The $3.8 million project, funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), marks the first tsunami evacuation tower of its kind in the United States.
In collaboration with Degenkolb Engineering, a renowned engineering firm founded in 1940, SES developed an outdoor-rated UPS power system to provide emergency lighting and radio communications during a tidal wave event. The custom-designed AC-DC Outdoor UPS System features UL Listed Lithium Battery & Electronics outdoor-rated enclosures prewired with AC and DC distribution, overload, and surge protection. The system seamlessly switches between grid power and backup power, ensuring uninterrupted operation during power outages.
This allows folks, even if it's 2:30 in the morning in your pajamas, to scoop up your
family and make it here in a very short amount of time – in under a 15-minute window for nearly
everyone from Tokeland Point to the heart of the reservation. -
Lee Shipman, Shoalwater
Bay Tribe Executive Director.
The backup power system incorporates advanced Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries by Discover Energy, delivering 16 hours of emergency power for critical loads using eight 24VDC batteries with a total capacity of 22.4 kWh. The Schneider Electric Conext 4 kW DC to AC Sine Wave Inverter provides reliable AC power for the backup emergency lighting system, while the TDK Lambda 250W DC to DC converter powers the critical wireless radio equipment.
"We are proud to have played a crucial role in this groundbreaking project," said Garrett Gettleman, CEO of Solar Electric Supply. "Our expertise in designing reliable and efficient power solutions for critical infrastructure has enabled us to provide the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe with a robust backup power system that ensures the safety and well-being of their community during potential tsunami events."
The tsunami evacuation tower, standing at 50 feet tall, offers a safe haven for the Tokeland community, which is susceptible to tsunamis. The tower's design is the result of extensive research by FEMA and NOAA on building structures capable of withstanding earthquake and tsunami forces. Guided by the Washington Emergency Management Division's Project Safe Haven, the project involved vulnerability assessments, evacuation planning, and vertical evacuation needs assessments. The successful completion of the project was also made possible through the valuable local logistical and contractor electrical materials support provided by Stusser Electric/CED.
Lee Shipman, Shoalwater Bay Tribe's executive director, expressed gratitude for the
collaboration, stating, "The very best experts in the USA helped with this project. It is with the help from
all the various agencies that we were able to build the very, very first FEMA-funded tower in the United
States of America."
"We need about 50 more," followed up Major General Bret Daugherty, the head of the Washington
National Guard and state Military Department, which houses the Emergency Management Division.
SES's innovative backup power system ensures that the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe's tsunami
evacuation tower remains operational and provides a safe haven for the community during a
potential tsunami event. This groundbreaking project showcases SES's expertise in designing
reliable and efficient power solutions for critical infrastructure.
Solar Electric Supply is a leading provider of innovative solar energy solutions, specializing in
the design and installation of solar power systems for residential, commercial, and industrial
applications. With a commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology, Solar Electric
Supply is dedicated to driving the transition to renewable energy sources. We offer a wide range of products tailored to meet your specific solar energy needs, from pad and pole mounted systems to AC/DC outdoor UPS systems and Class 1 Division 2 solar systems! For more Information, Contact Solar Electric Supply Today.
MAPPS® systems offer durable and reliable power for a variety of applications, including small-scale and large-scale demands. Whether you need a compact 12 VDC system or a powerful 120 VAC setup, we provide tailored solutions supported by expert design and configuration assistance.
The SES AC/DC Outdoor UPS™ systems provide uninterrupted power for critical AC and DC loads, ensuring continuous operation during power outages. With backup power available for 24-48 hours or longer, these systems are perfect for emergency preparedness.
Featuring UL Listed, Class 1 Div 2 solar panels with a 20+ year warranty, heavy-duty aluminum pole mounting structures, and NEMA enclosures, our systems are designed for durability and longevity. Each system includes sealed gel cell batteries and advanced PWM charge controllers.
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