After Helene, rural North Carolina turns to solar and battery hubs

After Hurricane Helene devastated rural North Carolina, the Double Island Volunteer Fire Department became a hub for community recovery. The fire department, equipped with a microgrid of solar panels and batteries, now provides essential services during power outages. A network of nonprofits and government groups is working to install microgrids in other fire departments and community centers to enhance resilience. The state of North Carolina is also investing $5 million in microgrids and mobile aid units to support recovery efforts.