Duke Energy Will Test Smart Grid Technology and Solar Storage
The homes in the Charlotte, North Carolina service area supplied by Duke Energy’s McAlpine Creek substation will soon be able to take advantage of solar energy. A solar array of 213 panels will be installed to provide around 50 kilowatts of solar energy that is enough to power approximately five homes in the area.
The installation will be a test that will be focusing on the operational, technical and customer satisfaction of the emerging energy management systems. These systems will allow each customer to save money on their electricity by customizing exactly how they consume power.
The energy that is generated from these panels can either be used to charge a 500 kilowatt storage battery that is scheduled to be installed in the upcoming weeks, or be sent straight to distribution lines serving the test area. The companies plans to install similar installations in the near future throughout their system.