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Energy

NC State’s energy management strategies minimize costs, save natural resources and reduce emissions.

The university has a complex energy grid with five utility plants plus a vast network of steam and chilled water pipelines. The main two energy sources NC State uses are natural gas and electricity. NC State also has several solar energy sources.

Energy conservation strategies successfully reduce campus energy use while enabling the university to progress toward its goal of a 40% energy use reduction per gross square foot by 2022 (as compared to the 2002 baseline).

NC State Energy Management is responsible for tracking, managing and reducing energy use on campus.

Energy Resources

Resources for Individuals

DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency) allows homeowners to explore current incentives.

Professional training is available in energy-related fields. Numerous K-20 STEM education opportunities also focus on energy.

NC State Extension has Home Energy Conservation resources.

Resources for Businesses

The NC Clean Energy Technology Center provides services related to the development and adoption of clean energy technologies.

Energy Solutions helps identify and implement energy efficiency initiatives.

Industry Expansion Solutions provides services for businesses to reduce energy use and environmental impact.

Technical assistance is available for businesses and industry.

NC State has been a leader in solar research since the earliest days of the technology. Additionally, NC State has many solar installations on campus, including:

ProjectDate CompletedkW / Solar Collectors
Fitts-Woolard Hall RooftopFall 2023182 kW
SolarSpace at Gardner ArboretumSeptember 2021800 watts
Solar Scoreboards at Method Road Field ComplexNovember 2017160 watts
Solar Charging Bus Stop on Dan Allen DriveFebruary 2017160 watts
Solar Umbrellas (locations include Owen and Bragaw Residence Halls, Park Shops and Wellness and Recreation)starting 2015162 watts
Centennial Campus Solar StructureOctober 20151.5 kW
Keystone Parking Deck Stairway Solar20142.5 kW
Solar House AnnexongoingSolar Total: 6 kW. 1 kW Kanika I, 2 kW Kanika II, 1 kW Blue Sun, 2 kW SunPowerWind Total: 2.2 kW., 1.2 kW Wind Spire, 1.0 kW Sky Stream
Solar Pavilion in Welch, Gold, Syme Residence Halls courtyardJuly 20123 solar panels, 0.7 kW
Partner I Rooftop201522 kW
James B. Hunt Jr. Library201212 solar thermal panels
Sullivan Shops III Complex20118 solar thermal collectors
Wellness and Recreation Solar Thermal201130 Solar Thermal Collectors and 112 Solar Thermal Collectors
Keystone Science Center201040 kW
Research IV20093 kW
Park Alumni Center Solar Thermal20061 solar thermal collector
Solar House19813.0 kW Garage, 5.4 kW PV Roof 2 Solar Thermal Collectors