CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Workers are installing new solar panels that Duke Energy will use to generate power for Charlotte homes.

Crews are putting in 213 panels at Duke Energy’s McAlpine Creek substation in south Charlotte.

“It will track the sun through the sky over the course of the day,” said technology officer David Mohler.

He said the panels provide green power for the 16,000 people living in the area right around the substation.

They will be part a smart grid.

Homes are getting meters that can communicate problems like a power outage.

The solar panels will charge a huge battery that in some cases will keep people from ever losing power.

Mohler said homeowners won't even know they are running off a battery.

“These aren’t the only answer. But they are part of the answer,” said Mohler.

Duke Energy officials hope to build more solar stations to improve power reliability across the Carolinas. And reduce emissions at the same time.