Enfield Energy Future
A growing movement of residents, policymakers, and nonprofit partners working together to realize the community’s vision of energy independence—embracing solar power to reduce energy burden, stimulate economic growth, and improve quality of life for all.
The Challenge
Enfield is a small, historically African American town of roughly 2,000 residents in southern Halifax County. Like many rural communities, Enfield has faced decades of systemic disinvestment and economic neglect, resulting in persistent poverty and aging infrastructure. Residents experience some of the highest energy burdens in the state, with electricity costs consuming an average of 13% of household income. The town’s dependence on electricity revenue further limits its capacity to invest in other critical services, deepening the financial strain on both residents and local government.
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Our theory of change.
Our theory of change is rooted in the belief that communities like Enfield, despite facing challenges such as historical disinvestment and geographic isolation, will achieve transformative change through collaboration and empowerment. By leveraging the renewable energy transition and fostering strong partnerships with local leaders, stakeholders, and residents, we will drive economic revitalization, reduce energy burdens, and create pathways to prosperity.
Our approach focuses on combining collective expertise, building strong relationships, and utilizing sustainable energy—like solar power—to unlock even more of Enfield’s potential. As community leaders project self-determination and take control of its energy future, Enfield can serve as a model for other towns nationwide, demonstrating how innovation and collaboration can uplift quality of life and inspire action.
Through this process, we aim to not only follow the mayor's lead to transform Enfield but to provide a replicable blueprint for communities across the nation to achieve resilience, equity, and a brighter future.
Mayor Mondale Robinson
Three project concepts.
Visionary community leadership.
Infinite benefit.
Enfield is working with local leaders, nonprofits, and technical experts to develop plans for modernizing its energy systems while fostering economic growth. The community is coming together to design workforce programs that will train residents in energy audits, weatherization, and solar installation, and to attract investments for PV system component manufacturing. By collectively planning to build a skilled, clean energy-ready workforce and strengthen the clean energy supply chain, Enfield aims to position itself as a regional leader in sustainable development.
As the town weighs transitioning to solar self-generation, plans for grid upgrades are underway to support solar and battery storage. At the center of this transformation is the concept for a future Enfield Energy Center—a solar-powered resilience hub with classrooms, co-working space, a commercial kitchen, and community gardens to support emergency response and local enterprise.
These efforts are part of the Enfield Energy Coalition, a model for sustainable development in rural North Carolina. By reducing energy costs, strengthening resilience, and creating new opportunities, Enfield is charting a path to energy independence and economic renewal.
Project #1 - Enfield Weatherization Hub
Mayor Mondale Robinson has acquired the property at 700 South McDaniel Street and is recruiting partners to transform it into a residential solar and storage demonstration site in the heart of Enfield. This innovative project aims to provide residents first hand experience with the benefits of renewable energy while showcasing the potential to enhance quality of life for residents throughout the region.
Project #2 - Enfield Energy Center
The community envisions the Enfield Energy Center as a vibrant, multi-functional community center at the heart of town—a cornerstone for growth, resilience, and connection. More than just a building, it will serve as a place where people can gather, learn, heal, and thrive together. At its core, the Energy Center is a renewable energy demonstration project, equipped with solar + storage systems and rainwater collection features. These systems will not only minimize the facility’s environmental impact but also strengthen the neighborhood’s resilience. This forward-thinking solution would ensure reliable access to power during emergencies, safeguarding the community against future disruptions.
Project #3 - Enfield Grid Modernization
Enfield, North Carolina, is taking a bold step toward energy independence and cost savings for its residents by leveraging its unique position as one of the few towns in the state that owns its own electrical grid. With support from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Enfield has developed a plan to build a three- to five-megawatt solar farm on 20 acres of land, paired with a high-capacity battery offering a four-hour or greater duration. This renewable energy system would have the capacity to power all 1,200 electric meters in the town, most of which are residential.
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
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Our Coalition.
Our fearless, tireless, hopeful and eternally optimistic band of warriors committed to moving Enfield toward the vision of its residents.
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