A community in the western mountains of North Carolina has been facing immense challenges in the wake of Hurricane Helen. Residents have been relying on gasoline generators to keep vital supplies, such as insulin for diabetic patients, refrigerated—an intense struggle that has lasted nearly two weeks. The constant operation of these generators is not only costly but poses risks of damaging breakdowns. Fortunately, thanks to a group of volunteers, a solar power system has been installed, bringing some relief to those enduring the prolonged power outage.

Bobby Renfro, a local resident, has been instrumental in providing support at a community resource hub he established in an empty church on Tipton Hill. Since the hurricane struck, his gasoline generator has rarely had a moment’s rest. Renfro purchased the generator for $1,200 and has had to spend even more on fuel from volunteers who traveled from Tennessee.

“This generator is our only source of electricity,” Renfro explains. “We can’t turn it off. It keeps the refrigerator running to ensure insulin doesn’t spoil for my neighbors who are diabetic. We also rely on it to power oxygen machines and nebulizers for those struggling to breathe.”

Renfro worries that people outside their community may not fully understand their dire situation. Being stuck in a mountainous area without power or resources is a profound ordeal. Restoring electricity is not a quick fix; it feels like an endless wait.

The locals, while depending on gas and diesel generators, are finding the experience hard. Not only is fuel expensive, but it also pollutes the air and poses health risks. Additionally, these small generators are designed for use over just a few hours or days—not weeks or months.

Thankfully, help is on the way. This week, Renfro received a newer, cleaner, quieter generator that he can use for free. Volunteers from the Footprint Project, a nonprofit organization, collaborated with a local solar installation company to provide a solar power system comprising six 245-watt solar panels, a 24-volt battery, and an inverter. The solar panels are now set up outside the community building, surrounded by lush green hills.

Renfro hopes that this solar installation will bring his community some comfort and a sense of security, knowing there is “some electricity now.”

The Footprint Project is expanding its efforts in response to the disaster, installing sustainable mobile infrastructure. They are deploying dozens of larger solar power distribution grids, solar generators, and machines that extract moisture from the air—currently installed at 33 locations, along with dozens of smaller mobile batteries.