Charlotte Neighborhood Solor Powered by Greer SC Company
In the early 20th century, it was the gradual switchover from horse-drawn buggies to the automobile. Now another fundamental shift is about to take place in the 21st century – the transition from electricity to solar power, according to Bruce Woods, owner of Sunstore Solar in Greer and president of the South Carolina Solar Council.
That shift is already evident in the McAlpine Creek area in southeast Charlotte, N.C., which has been turned into a test bed for solar-powered electricity and smart grid technology thanks to a partnership between Duke Energy and Sunstore Solar.
The McAlpine substation now features an array of 213 solar panels that provide 50 kilowatts of electricity, or enough to power five homes when the panels are operating, Woods said.
The array installed by Sunstore Solar generates an electric current as sunlight hits the surface of the solar panels. Part of that electricity is fed directly back into the electric grid powering the McAlpine homes. The rest of the electricity will be used to charge a 500-kilowatt storage battery when energy is available, but in low demand, Woods said.
The second aspect to the McAlpine Creek project is implementing smart grid technology, which combined with the solar panels and battery, creates a virtual power plant, according to Duke Energy.
Smart grid technology involves using smart meters and digital communications that improve reliability, reduce outage duration and provide customers with usage data and the ability to customize their energy usage, leading to greater efficiency and savings, according to Duke Energy.
“Today’s electric distribution system has changed little over the past 100 years,” said David Mohler, Duke Energy’s chief technology officer. “Smart grid will provide a 21st-century, two-way digital communications link between the company and its customers.”
Mohler added that Duke Energy plans to launch similar installations throughout its system in the future.
While the McAlpine Creek project is of a moderate size and scope, Woods said some areas in Florida and California are beginning to complete large array installations where huge fields of systems are being used to power entire communities and subdivisions.
As the clean energy and sustainability movement gains popularity, Woods envisions more utility companies adopting solar technology and generating solar-powered electricity to sell to their customers.
Large commercial customers, such as universities or corporations, will generate their own clean energy as well, he said.
“I think we’ve seen the light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak,” Woods said. “The price of solar has come down. It’s really beginning to take hold, (and) we’re fixing to see wide-scale adoption of these technologies.”
Via Anna Lee
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