A West Grove couple is downsizing for their retirement in an unconventional way. Eric and Camela Moulder moved to what is known as an “environmental village,” in Shallotte, North Carolina, just a quick drive from Ocean Isle Beach, writes Kaya Laterman for The New York Times.  

Heron’s Nest has homes that cost between $300,000 to $400,000 and comes with a three-kilowatt rooftop solar system. It’s part of the first resident “microgrid” development in the state. This means that the network of buildings forms a miniature power grid.   

“The rooftop solar and the sense of security we got knowing that you’d have power during a storm sealed the deal for us,”said Eric Moulder, 57.  

Homeowners at Heron’s Nest get a monthly energy credit through an agreement with Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation. If there is a power outage, residents still have a backup.  

The Nest is part of an electric cooperative that allows customers to profit from the revenue genrated by the utility. The $8 million project took off in 2017, and the first resident moved in five years ago. There are now 54 residents living in the community.  

Read more about the West Grove couple’s retirement community in The New York Times. 

What is a microgrid?