The McAlpine Creek area in south Charlotte, N.C. — an area bordered by Carmel and Rea Roads and Hwy. 51 — is a test bed for distributed generation resources and smart grid technologies. An electric power substation on Hwy. 51 is flanked by more than 213 solar arrays, and soon a large battery will be installed at the site to store energy generated by the solar panels or at existing power plants when energy is available, but in low demand. Additionally, 100 customers are participating in a residential energy management pilot program that gives them the tools and information needed to develop an “energy profile.” Once their energy profiles are set, participating customers can use the information to manage their air conditioners, water heaters and other appliances to use less energy, save money and help the environment.

The solar panels, battery and energy management systems together create a virtual power plant capable of generating enough energy for 55 homes for one year.

Here’s how it works.