Post-Sinlaku buying habits shift as Nervonics sees surge in solar, backup power demand

Super Typhoon Sinlaku has changed the way many CNMI residents shop for electronics, with consumers increasingly prioritizing backup power solutions and energy independence over traditional gadgets, according to Nervonics president Mark Heiphetz.

The post-storm shift has translated into strong sales for solar generators, solar panels, and power banks, while the local electronics retailer has emerged from the typhoon with minimal damage and has focused much of its effort on helping residents cope with prolonged power outages and rising electricity costs.

Heiphetz said demand for backup power products exploded immediately after the storm.

“Everyone on the island losing power all at once definitely increased demand substantially,” he said.

He noted that solar generators have become the company's hottest-selling item since Sinlaku, with multiple shipments already sold out before arriving on island.

“The solar generator pre-orders are definitely the biggest thing that's been selling a lot of. We've already completely sold out of the first two batches before they arrive,” Heiphetz said.

Power banks have also seen unprecedented demand.

“We ordered way, way, way more than we normally would. Like what would normally take us probably about two years to sell, and that was selling in about two, three days instead of two years,” he said.

Despite the widespread destruction caused by Sinlaku, Nervonics escaped with relatively minor losses.

“We were lucky enough to not suffer too much in direct damage from the storm and we've been kind of using that position to do our best to help the community by getting in the supplies that a lot of people are asking for and needing right now,” Heiphetz said.

The business experienced some flooding, but damage was limited.

According to Heiphetz, employees were able to move most inventory to higher ground before floodwaters entered the building, resulting in losses of less than $500. The company was closed during the height of the typhoon but resumed serving customers soon after, even before the official all-clear was issued.

With communications limited and its storefront not fully operational immediately after the storm, Nervonics relied on appointments and informal meetups to distribute much-needed equipment.

“All of the solar generators sold out before the storm actually hit, but we still had some solar panels and some power banks and stuff like that that we were trying to get out to people immediately after the storm,” Heiphetz said.

Founded in 2024 as a home-based business called Electronics Pacifica, the company later expanded and reorganized as Nervonics LLC. The name was derived from nervonic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid associated with brain function.

Looking ahead, Heiphetz said the company plans to move into a larger location, hire additional staff, and broaden its product offerings while continuing to carry the solar and backup power products that have become increasingly popular after the storm.

“We definitely want to stock all the things that people are wanting to purchase,” he said.

Nervonics is currently operating under post-typhoon hours from 11:30am to 6pm, Monday through Saturday. Customers can contact the company at (670) 287-0662, email info@nervonics.com, or browse inventory at nervonics.com.