The thing is there are very few transformers in a disassembled state ready to go. Solar panels would be fine, but they're effectively useless without the ability to deliver power.
Covid was enough to create an international backlog of transformers, and that was with a normal rate of attrition.
Lets say there were a few transformers that did survive.
The parts to make new transformers are manufactured all over the place.
So you would need to transport the 'working' transformers where they are needed to get power back to each plant that manufactures some singular component that goes into a new transformer.
AND Transport them, when gas stations in-between are all also without power.
The global supply chain is complicated and spread out. There are many places with single failure points.
-> Don't have link, but isn't there an article titles something like "nobody can make a pencil anymore". Which traces out like a dozen connections for even such a simple thing.
And, don't forget, a lot of power plants need power to be re-started. They don't all have backup gas turbines to get going again.
> Solar panels would be fine, but they're effectively useless without the ability to deliver power.
Perhaps this is an argument for making rooftop solar with storage compulsory then at least we would be able to keep the lights on. Assuming that the building could be automatically isolated quickly enough of course.
Covid was enough to create an international backlog of transformers, and that was with a normal rate of attrition.