Roanoke Schools Adopt Solar and Battery Microgrids, Buying Power Competitively
What happened
Roanoke city public schools are undergoing a major energy transition by installing solar panels and battery storage across its facilities. The school system is currently deploying solar at 29 different sites, which includes all but three schools. This initiative allows the system to purchase power from a solar provider at a lower rate than that offered by Appalachian Power.
From wvtf.org
Why it matters
The shift involves creating microgrids at two high schools, funded by a grant from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and a private donation. The solar installations represent about 9.3 megawatts of power, enough to offset 44 percent of the school system’s energy use.
From wvtf.org
Who's involved
- Appalachian PowerUtility whose pricing is being undercut by competitive energy sourcing in the Roanoke market.
- RoanokeCity where the competitive energy purchasing and solar adoption are taking place.
- VirginiaState providing a grant that supports the school system's renewable energy projects.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Appalachian PowerSpeculative
Appalachian Power might face competitive pricing pressure from buyers utilizing alternative energy sources.
- RoanokeSpeculative
Roanoke could benefit from a successful model of decentralized energy production through microgrids.
- VirginiaSpeculative
Virginia could see the successful deployment of state emergency management funds into renewable energy infrastructure.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
-
Appalachian Power
utility in the United States
-
Roanoke
independent city in Virginia, United States