Park Scholars leave solar legacy on NC State’s Centennial Campus

NC State University is elevating renewable energy to new heights with the installation of a 16-foot-tall solar energy tree near the university’s James B. Hunt Jr. Library.

With a 1,500-watt solar array atop a recycled steel base, the solar tree offers outlets from which users can power laptops, phones and other devices.

A gift from the university’s Park Scholars Class of 2015, the October installation of the solar energy tree culminates a year of student-led planning with the goal of increasing interest and engagement in clean energy. The project complements 11 existing solar installations and many other energy efficiency efforts on campus.

“It is our hope [that the solar energy tree brings] visibility to solar energy, solar education and the benefits of… alternative energy sources,” said Nathan Pedder, one of three Park Scholars who led the Class of 2015’s Legacy Gift committee.

Each class of Park Scholars chooses a legacy gift to leave the university. When the members of the Class of 2015 began brainstorming gift ideas, the solar tree was among several sustainability-related ideas that emerged.

“We all agreed that the state of the environment and our use of technology always needs improvement and what better way to double our efforts in those causes than to leave a landmark of progress,” said Xavier Primus, who also served on the Legacy Gift committee. “We wanted a legacy that shows our commitment in a investment that will have the resiliency to inspire long after we depart NC State.”

Primus, Pedder and fellow scholar Tori Huffman led the charge toward making the solar energy tree a reality. They worked with the university’s landscape architect and Centennial Campus Development Office on choosing a location, created a website about the project, initiated a fundraising campaign, and selected local companies Spotlight Solar as manufacturer and Yes! Solar Solutions as installer of the solar structure.

“The project would not have been possible without the flexibility and support of the university, Spotlight Solar, and Yes! Solar Solutions. Their efforts to ensure our success have been numerous, and we are truly appreciative of their commitment to this community and its sustainability,” Huffman said.

Spotlight Solar provides aesthetic solar structures across the United States with this installation being its first on a university campus. While sculptural in form, the solar energy tree is an engineered system designed for efficient and visible energy production.

“Solar energy has positive impact but most roof-top installations are hidden from view. Adding a solar structure in a high-visibility location helps promote public engagement and consideration of energy stewardship,” said Craig Merrigan, Spotlight Solar’s co-founder and CEO.

In addition to being a student-led project, the solar energy tree is mostly student-funded. The project received 35 percent of its funding from a grant awarded in the first year of the NC State Sustainability Fund, which is generated by a $1.50 student fee per semester. Additional funding came from the Division of Academic and Student Affairs, NC Clean Energy Technology Center, NC State Student Government, UNC System Association for Student Government, Centennial Campus Development Office and $15,000 raised by the Park Scholarships Class of 2015  through a letter writing campaign.

Designed to withstand 140 mph winds, the solar energy tree is the first of three planned for this area of campus and expected to connect to a smart grid that’s in development for Centennial Campus.

“These renewable energy sources could become the basis for some [smart grid] research activities by the university and some of our corporate partners,” said Michael Harwood, Associate Vice Chancellor for the Centennial Campus Development Office. “The [solar energy tree] is a real collaboration between the university and students. We’re glad to be a partner with the Park Scholars in making this a reality.”

According to Park Scholarships director Eva Feucht, the solar energy tree joins a long line of Park Scholar legacy gifts, including the construction of a Habitat for Humanity house, establishment of a Park Scholarships endowment for an annual student enrichment grant, and creation of the Krispy Kreme Challenge and Service Raleigh.

“As Park Scholarships celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year, we are proud that this project becomes part of the story of how Park Scholars give back,” she said.

A dedication of the solar energy tree is being planned for later this year. Learn more