Solar Energy

NC State has a long history of solar installations on campus. Additionally, the university has been a leader in solar research since the earliest days of the technology. The Solar House was first opened to the public in 1981, and the NC Clean Energy Technology Center at NC State has a focus on solar energy.

Future Solar Projects

NC State is exploring ways to increase solar energy on campus as a way to generate long-term cost savings on its energy-intensive campus, to reduce air pollution and natural resource use, and to meet sustainability commitments such as 40% energy use reduction and climate neutrality. Solar energy would decrease campus use of non-renewable energy, which has numerous benefits. The university has researched several potential solar+storage energy sites on campus for organizations interested in partnering or donating toward a future solar installation. Contact sustainability@ncsu.edu.

Current Solar Installations

Current solar-related projects on campus include:

ProjectCompletion DatekW / Solar CollectorsNotes
Fitts-Woolard Expected Fall 2023182 kWInstallation is expected in Fall 2023.

SolarSpace
September 2021800 wattsThis project was funded through the Sustainability Fund. Energy is consumed on site to power electronics while allowing students a space to study, relax and see renewable energy at work.
Two Solar ScoreboardsNovember 2017 160 wattsThis project was funded through the Sustainability Fund. Energy is consumed on site to power two scoreboards.
Solar Charging Station at Bus StopFebruary 2017160 wattsThis project was funded through the Sustainability Fund. Energy is consumed on site for power electronics charging using direct current (DC).
Solar UmbrellasVaries162 wattsThree 9-foot umbrellas (with 54 watts capacity each) located between Tucker and Owen Residence Halls feature solar panels powering lithium ion battery hubs, which each offer three USB ports for charging mobile devices as fast as a wall outlet. More umbrellas have been added on campus, including at Bragaw Residence Hall, Park Shops and Carmichael Recreation Center.
Centennial Campus Solar StructureOctober 20151.5 kWConceptualized and installed by the Park Scholarships Class of 2015.
parking-deck-solarKeystone Parking Deck Stairway Solar20142.5 kWDonated by the City of Raleigh
Solar House Annex PicSolar House AnnexMore than 20 years of ongoing solar and wind testingSolar Total: 6 kW. 1 kW Kanika I, 2 kW Kanika II, 1 kW Blue Sun, 2 kWSunPowerWind Total: 2.2 kW. 1.2 kW Wind Spire, 1.0 kW Sky StreamThe small systems were donated for testing. The current systems feed back to the Duke Energy power grid. RECs are being accumulated.
CMAST photoSolar Pavilion in Welch, Gold, Syme courtyardJuly 20123 solar panels, 0.7 kWJoint student and faculty project installed from the 2010 Think Outside the Brick competition winners. Provides electricity to two outlets under pavilion for students working outdoors.
Partner I Rooftop201522 kWThe 96 solar panels were donated by Strata Solar. Centennial Campus Development Office covered the cost to install the panels. The solar PV panels are wired to the main electrical panel in the building and are planned to power a future DC circuit. RECs accrue to the university.
Hunt Library Solar ThermalJames B. Hunt Jr Library201212 solar thermal panelsJames B. Hunt Library hosts a 12-panel solar thermal array that pre-heats domestic hot water before steam heat is utilized.
Sullivan III Solar PicSullivan Shops III –  Solar Thermal20118 solar thermal collectorsProject was a part of new building construction which houses Waste Reduction & Recycling and Grounds Management. The collectors use a closed loop system to deliver hot water to VAV boxes for the building’s HVAC system.
Carmichael Gym SolarCarmichael Gym – Solar Thermal201130 Solar Thermal Collectors and 112 Solar Thermal CollectorsFinanced as part of the 13-building performance contract, 30 panels are in a closed loop system to heat domestic hot water and 112 panels provide reheating for the swimming pools (circulating about 70 gallons per minute). The system is projected to generate approximately $11,500 in annual utility cost savings. RECs are being accumulated.
Keystone Solar PicKeystone Science Center – PV201040 kWA donation to building occupant FREEDM Systems Center, electricity is fed back into the building.
Research IV Solar PicResearch IV – PV20093 kWSolar modules were donated by Hamlin. Advanced Energy is located in the building and its partners donated the wires and inverter. Electricity is fed back into the building.
Park Alumni Center20061 solar thermal collectorInstalled as part of the Park Alumni Center building project, the solar thermal installation preheats cold city water for hot water needs in the building. RECs are being accumulated.
Solar House PicSolar House – PV and Solar Thermal19813.0 kW Garage, 5.4 kW PV Roof 2 Solar Thermal CollectorsThe Solar House was opened in 1981 with 2 solar thermal collectors on the roof. Since, a 5.4 kW PV system has been added in addition to a 3 kW system on the garage.