Western North Carolina Mobile Solar Beehives and Stationary Microgrids

planned

The project involves deploying trailer-mounted 'beehive' solar microgrids and permanent solar-plus-storage systems to power community hubs such as libraries, food distribution centers, and fire stations during power outages caused by storms. The mobile units are towable trailers equipped with modules for refrigeration, device charging, and water filtration, designed to replace diesel generators. Initial permanent installations include a 39.96 kW solar array with 80 kWh battery storage at Burnsville Fire Department. The initiative is backed by $5 million in state and federal funding, aiming to deploy up to 24 stationary microgrids and two mobile units by mid-2027.