An array of 213 solar panels will soon provide electricity to homes served by Duke Energy’s McAlpine Creek substation in south Charlotte – all part of an effort to implement new smart grid technology.
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The substation’s new solar panels will provide approximately 50 kilowatts of electricity, enough to power five homes when the panels are operating. Electricity from these panels can be sent directly into the distribution lines serving the McAlpine Creek test area or used to charge a 500-kilowatt storage battery planned for installation at the substation in the weeks ahead.
The solar panels and battery will be used in conjunction with residential energy management systems to determine how Duke Energy can create a “virtual power plant” by combining renewable sources, storage technology and energy efficiency to meet customer needs.
For more than a year in the McAlpine area, Duke Energy has been installing new smart meters at 8,100 customer homes and new digital communications technology on utility poles and power lines. When fully implemented, the new technology will improve reliability, reduce outage duration, and provide customers with usage data and the ability to customize their energy usage.
via Duke Energy :: Duke Energy Tests Solar Panels and New Smart Grid Technology in Charlotte.
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- Duke hires Cisco Systems for ‘smart-grid’ system – Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal:
- Sequentric Working on Duke Pilot Project | Greentech Media
- Smart Grid experiment produces results | Charlotte Business Journal
