North Carolina’s electric cooperatives continuously pursue energy innovation that matches local member and community needs and helps power a brighter future. An example of this innovation is solar paired with battery storage, a solution that makes the electric grid more resilient, flexible, dynamic and efficient.

Recently, Roanoke Cooperative unveiled two of these solar + sites — one in Pendleton, NC, and the other in Halifax, NC. Collectively, the cooperatives operate 13 of these resources across the state, adding to the overall strength of the grid.

“This solar + battery storage site is a milestone for Roanoke Cooperative,” said Marshall Cherry, President and CEO of Roanoke Cooperative. “It reflects the values that drive our work every day: innovation, equity, and commitment to the communities we serve.”

Collaborative efforts on these projects began in 2018, and from early concept to final completion, the work was a testament to the cooperatives’ commitment to community. Both sites were built on farmland owned by two long-standing local families.

Cherry also emphasized the cooperative’s all-of-the-above energy strategy, one that brings together solar, battery storage, traditional generation, and demand response programs to keep power reliable, affordable and increasingly local. But he noted, that while technology and innovation play a critical role, the most important part of these projects is the people and communities they serve.

“This site isn’t just about energy,” Cherry said. “It’s about people, land, and opportunity. It’s about ensuring that rural communities like ours are not just connected to the grid but actively shaping its future.”

The two new sites are identical in size — each featuring 240 kW of solar paired with 1,000 kWh of battery storage. The systems are designed as peak management tools, allowing Roanoke Cooperative to support its system during times of high demand, reduce power costs, and improve reliability for all member-owners.

Roanoke Cooperative worked in collaboration with North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, EnerWealth Solutions, Cape Fear Solar Systems, and Booth and Associates on the project.

“These projects pair battery energy storage and solar generation,” said Amadou Fall, chief operating officer of North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “Solar energy is most abundant during the middle of the day, but the highest demand for electricity is typically on winter mornings and summer afternoons. By dispatching the stored solar energy, when it’s needed most, we’re improving grid efficiency and resilience.”

Cherry said the milestone represents an opportunity to celebrate collaboration and noted that Roanoke Cooperative looks forward to continuing to pursue projects like this that meet the needs of members and strengthen the communities they serve.

“Together, we now have two distributed energy resources actively contributing to our system and benefiting our members,” Cherry said. “This is rural resilience. This is cooperative leadership.”