In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which caused widespread devastation and power outages across North Carolina, over 70,000 residents are still without power. In response, several solar energy companies have stepped in to provide critical support.
The North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA), Greentech Renewables, Footprint Project, and the Land of Sky Regional Council have collaborated to deploy clean energy resources. Their efforts focus on providing temporary and long-term microgrids that supply power, water, and Wi-Fi to the most affected areas, particularly in Western North Carolina.
Greentech Renewables, in particular, has been organizing and delivering solar power supplies to the Asheville region. The Footprint Project, a non-profit that specializes in disaster relief using solar energy, was among the first to arrive in Asheville, bringing solar power trailers to support critical infrastructure.
One of its first responses was to provide power to a medical facility that had lost electricity, preventing it from turning away patients who relied on life-saving equipment like oxygen machines. Footprint Project also supplied batteries to an elderly care facility that had lost its generator.
Solar Energy Companies Mobilize to Restore Power and Support Recovery Efforts in Hurricane-Hit North Carolina
The Footprint Project has been working tirelessly, responding to overwhelming requests for power, water, and communication services. In just a few weeks, the organization has deployed a significant number of resources, including 37 portable solar generators, seven mobile microgrid trailers, five water generators, 20 tarp shelters, and 12 communication hubs across North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia.
Their efforts have supported a total of 18 sites, with labor hours totaling 677 and a provided value of $402,500 in relief efforts so far.
Looking ahead, the Footprint Project is continuing its mission by sending even more resources to North Carolina. En route or staged for deployment are an additional 44 portable solar generators, two solar microgrid trailers, nine palletized microgrid systems, eight container shelters, and one communication hub.
These efforts are part of an ongoing strategy to ensure that power and essential services are restored to the hardest-hit areas as quickly as possible.
NCSEA is also playing a vital role in the recovery efforts by collecting donations to fund the purchase of equipment for microgrid installations, including solar panels, battery storage, and other necessary electrical systems.
The funds will also support the people involved in the installation process and help meet urgent needs such as water, food, and other essential supplies for the affected communities. The coordinated efforts of these organizations are making a substantial impact on recovery efforts in the region.
