Western NC Builds Resilient Microgrids | Raleigh News

Western North Carolina is powering up resilience with microgrids after Hurricane Helene exposed grid vulnerabilities—solar + battery systems now keep lights on during outages. The state’s investing $5 million in 26 projects, blending stationary and mobile “beehive” units for emergency hubs like fire stations. Fire Chief Niles Howell’s station gets 40kW solar + 80kWh batteries, ready for unpredictable disasters. Mobile units charge devices, chill food, filter water—deployable where needed most. Installations begin this summer, proving public-private funding can drive renewable resilience—even amid federal solar hurdles. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/19b51372abc1ad9e