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:

Project	Completion Date	kW / Solar Collectors	Notes
Fitts-Woolard	Expected Fall 2023	182 kW	Installation is expected in Fall 2023.
SolarSpace	September 2021	800 watts	This 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 Scoreboards	November 2017	160 watts	This project was funded through the Sustainability Fund. Energy is consumed on site to power two scoreboards.
Solar Charging Station at Bus Stop	February 2017	160 watts	This project was funded through the Sustainability Fund. Energy is consumed on site for power electronics charging using direct current (DC).
Solar Umbrellas	Varies	162 watts	Three 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 Structure	October 2015	1.5 kW	Conceptualized and installed by the Park Scholarships Class of 2015.
Keystone Parking Deck Stairway Solar	2014	2.5 kW	Donated by the City of Raleigh
Solar House Annex	More than 20 years of ongoing solar and wind testing	Solar 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 Stream	The small systems were donated for testing. The current systems feed back to the Duke Energy power grid. RECs are being accumulated.
Solar Pavilion in Welch, Gold, Syme courtyard	July 2012	3 solar panels, 0.7 kW	Joint 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 Rooftop	2015	22 kW	The 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.
James B. Hunt Jr Library	2012	12 solar thermal panels	James B. Hunt Library hosts a 12-panel solar thermal array that pre-heats domestic hot water before steam heat is utilized.
Sullivan Shops III –  Solar Thermal	2011	8 solar thermal collectors	Project 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 – Solar Thermal	2011	30 Solar Thermal Collectors and 112 Solar Thermal Collectors	Financed 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 Science Center – PV	2010	40 kW	A donation to building occupant FREEDM Systems Center, electricity is fed back into the building.
Research IV – PV	2009	3 kW	Solar 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 Center	2006	1 solar thermal collector	Installed 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 – PV and Solar Thermal	1981	3.0 kW Garage, 5.4 kW PV Roof 2 Solar Thermal Collectors	The 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.