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Powering Community Resilience: Solar Microgrids in Western North Carolina
In the heart of Marshall, a significant transformation is underway as the Beacon of Hope community center now boasts a newly installed microgrid. This development marks a pivotal step toward energy resilience in Western North Carolina. On a bright morning, electricians Steve Porvaznik and Ryan Callahan from Rhino Renewables completed the installation, which features a trio of batteries covered with white panels, each filled with intricate wiring.
The microgrid setup allows Beacon of Hope to maintain electricity during outages by storing energy generated from solar panels. Unlike standard solar systems that often lack battery backups, this microgrid ensures continuity by retaining approximately 68 kilowatt hours of solar power, sufficient to power the building for at least a day without sunlight. “We were able to back up the whole store, essentially, with all the freezers and coolers,” Porvaznik explained to BPR.
This installation is part of an ambitious plan to roll out 26 microgrids across Western North Carolina. The state Department of Environmental Quality has allocated $5 million to support this initiative, targeting community centers, libraries, fire departments, and other critical infrastructure. Two mobile trailers are also included in the project.
Beacon of Hope plays a vital role in the community, offering services like a food pantry that aids 1,600 families weekly. Jessi Koontz, the director, highlighted the growing demand, noting a 50% increase in hunger since last summer. The center’s power bills can reach $1,200 monthly, adding financial pressure. However, with the new solar microgrid, Koontz remains optimistic about continuing operations during outages. “People already come here,” she said. “So, how can we maximize the resources that are available and the communication that is available when they come here?”
Despite the promising start, scaling these projects faces hurdles, primarily funding. Alex Kwasinski, an engineer from the University of Pittsburgh, points out that funding limitations often restrict the scope of microgrid projects. “Probably it is because of who ends up providing this power, which are these, sometimes, not-profits or some other organizations, that make the effort and do these kinds of things,” he said.
Sarah Nichols from Land of Sky is actively seeking additional community centers on higher ground to mitigate flood risks and serve areas with significant needs. “Are we looking at equity?” Nichols asked. “Should we put it in a more rural area or in a community that might not traditionally get access to government services?”
The ongoing efforts aim to ensure that in the face of widespread outages, community institutions can continue to operate and provide essential services. These microgrids could offer a crucial lifeline, keeping necessary facilities like food storage and communications running, offering a refuge for those in need during crisis situations.
