Welcome to the PF.alchemical said:So, I noticed there are these prepper people who buy solar panels in case of a disaster. A lot of the disasters talked about involve power outages caused by EMPS. Well, what is the point in buying a solar panel to prep for an EMP when the EMP blast would just fry the circuitry? Do I have this right? Would an EMP render a solar panel useless?
An EMP (electromagnetic pulse) is a burst of electromagnetic energy that can disrupt or damage electronic equipment. It is generated by the rapid acceleration of charged particles, such as from a nuclear explosion or a solar storm.
An EMP can fry or damage any electronic device that is not properly shielded. This includes computers, phones, radios, TVs, and other communication and transportation systems.
An EMP itself does not cause direct harm to humans. However, the disruption of electronic devices can lead to dangerous situations, such as loss of communication and transportation, which may indirectly harm humans.
The duration and range of an EMP depend on the source and strength of the pulse. A nuclear EMP could last for seconds to minutes and have a range of hundreds of miles, while a solar storm EMP could last for days and have a global reach.
Yes, it is possible to protect against an EMP by using shielding materials or designs to block or divert the pulse. However, this can be costly and not all devices can be fully protected. It is also important for governments and organizations to have backup plans in case of an EMP event.