As David explains, the microgrid, a collection of 10 4,000 pound Tesla batteries and several solar panels installed at the Tideland EMC property on Odd Fellows Lane, is the first microgrid laboratory for North Carolina's electric cooperatives. Because coastal communities present very challenging issues for electric providers, the small, isolated village of Ocracoke was chosen for this initial experiment.
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| Solar roof panels at Tideland EMC, Photo by Heidi Smith |
Although the batteries could not support the entire village in the event of a power outage, they "could assist the [island's emergency] generator during start up to overcome the initial demand placed on the generator which often exceeds capacity."
In conjunction with the new microgrid, Tideland EMC has made available to residents a number of Ecobee smart thermostats that allow the electric cooperative to manage energy usage during periods of high demand.
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| Tideland EMC, Photo by David Mickey |
You can read David Mickey's full article here: https://ocracokeobserver.com/2016/12/12/ocracoke-is-first-in-the-state-for-a-microgrid/.
Our current Ocracoke Newsletter is a 1938 article about Capt. Gary Bragg, waterfowl hunting, and wooden decoy carving. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112116.htm.
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