2 megawatt solar array at the Rose Acre Egg Farm. 

North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives have partnered with the nation’s second-largest egg producer, Rose Acre Farms, and Tideland EMC, to develop an agricultural microgrid that will deliver a variety of benefits, including enhanced environmental sustainability and power grid resiliency.

Phase I of the project was completed in 2022 following the installation of a 2-megawatt solar array and a 2.5-megawatt Tesla battery pack that allows the energy generated by the panels to be stored and dispatched when needed. The solar production is expected to offset about a third of the energy consumed by the farm, which is Tideland’s largest commercial account.

2.5 megawatt Tesla Battery Pack installation

In addition to this new source of green energy, about 60% of the power Rose Acre already receives from Tideland comes from emissions-free nuclear and renewables. This helps Rose Acre meet sustainability goals that many of their customers require from vendors and in turn reduce their own carbon footprint.

Phase II of the project will soon be complete with the installation of a microgrid controller, which will expand the project’s capabilities to include utlization of the facility’s existing backup diesel generators.

In the event of a power outage, the microgrid components will allow Rose Acre’s food production operations to continue. North Carolina’s electric cooperatives will further benefit from the project by dispatching the stored energy to help reduce load during times of peak demand when energy is most expensive.