Google Backing Two Solar and Storage Microgrids in Southwest Virginia
A grant from Google is supporting the construction of two solar and energy storage resilience hubs in Southwest Virginia.
Appalachian Voices, a nonprofit grassroots environmental organization, will spearhead the projects in Dungannon and Duffield. A resilience hub is a designated site—such as a community center, school or church—equipped to support residents during weather-related disasters and other public emergencies.
Hubs are typically microgrids that include solar and energy storage systems capable of powering heating and cooling systems, refrigerators and communications devices. They offer the community a place to gather information, food and other emergency supplies, charge devices and store refrigerated medication.
In Southwest Virginia and beyond, the need for resilience hubs has grown increasingly clear as communities have faced repeated flooding, severe storms and other extreme weather events in recent years.
Most recently, 2024’s Hurricane Helene damaged major transmission and distribution lines, leading to widespread power outages in the region.
“In addition to serving as a public resource in times of need, this investment in solar and battery storage technology will lower energy bills for our community partners all year long,” Adam Wells, regional director of community and economic Development with Appalachian Voices, said in a statement.
Protecting rural communities
Both Dungannon and Duffield are small enclaves in rural Scott County, Virginia.
Dungannon’s roughly 300 residents will be served by a 30.5 kW solar array and a 115 kWh battery storage system installed at Dungannon’s town hall. A former train depot, the site serves as a community center, library and meeting space for the Dungannon Community Association.
The building was upgraded with a new heat pump and improved weatherization in 2025, lowering its overall energy consumption.
In Duffield, a 75.6 kW solar array and 246 kWh battery energy storage system will be installed at the Appalachian Sustainable Development’s Appalachian Harvest building.
While the city of Duffield has a population of less than 100, Appalachian Harvest is a food cooperative that supports local farmers by processing, storing and marketing regional produce across the southeastern U.S. The organization also distributes food boxes to food pantries, food banks and civic organizations across Southwest Virginia.
“By harnessing solar energy, the food hub will continue providing fresh, locally grown food to communities — even in times of crisis — while reducing our environmental footprint,” said Kathlyn Terry Baker, CEO of Appalachian Sustainable Development. “This project represents a powerful combination of sustainability, innovation and community resilience, ensuring that both our farmers and neighbors thrive for years to come.”
Resilience powered by Google
Appalachian Voices is paying for the solar and storage microgrids with grant money awarded by Google via the Sharing the Power Foundation, a nonprofit that works to promote clean energy equitably in urban and rural communities.
“We’re proud to collaborate with Appalachian Voices to help bring more low-cost, reliable power to Southwest Virginia,” said Kaitlin Savage, of Google’s energy market development team. “Resilience hubs are a vital resource for communities facing increasing weather-related challenges, and this partnership further reflects our commitment to advancing affordable energy solutions and community preparedness in vulnerable regions.”
Additional funds for the projects will come from Invest Appalachia, a regional investment platform, and the Appalachian Solar Finance Fund, a regional financial and technical assistance program run by Invest Appalachia and Appalachian Voices. Support will be delivered through a combination of recoverable grants and repayable financing.
Solar Alliance of Knoxville, Tenn., will install the Dungannon system. Tiger Solar of Charlottesville, Va., will construct the Duffield solar and energy storage system.
About the Author
Kathy Hitchens
Special Projects Editor
I work as a writer and special projects editor for Microgrid Knowledge. I have over 30 years of writing experience, working with a variety of companies in the renewable energy, electric vehicle and utility sector, as well as those in the entertainment, education, and financial industries. I have a BFA in Media Arts from the University of Arizona and a MBA from the University of Denver.