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June 20, 2009 – Vol.14 No.13 Duke Energy to Test Solar with Energy Storage and Smart Grid Technology. An array of 213 solar panels will soon provide electricity to homes served by Duke Energy’s McAlpine Creek substation in south Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Energycancreate a “virtual power plant” by combining renewable sources, storage technology and energy efficiency to meet customer needs. Beyond the smart meters, about 100 McAlpine area households are participating in a residential energy management system pilot.This pilot will focus on the technical, operational and customer satisfaction characteristics of emerging energy management systems that will allow customers to save electricity and money by customizing how they use energy.
For example, a customer will be able to work with Duke Energy to develop an “energy profile” which will be used to monitor and control appliances, air conditioners, heat pumps, water heaters, dryers, etc.This means greater efficiency and savings for the customer. “McAlpine is becoming a key laboratory where we will learn as much as possible about smart grid technology in a real-life application. We plan to launch similar installations throughout our system in the future,” said David Mohler, Duke Energy’s chief technology officer. (6/16/09)
Links: Duke Energy - Smart Energy Newsroom Duke Energy
Related: --- Duke Energy Acquires its First Wind Farm in the Eastern U.S. --- Duke Energy to Build New Wyoming Wind Power Project.
Disclaimer, Forward-Looking or Safe Harbor Statement on original press release: No
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