About the N.C. Solar Center
The North Carolina Solar Center, at N.C. State University, advances a sustainable energy economy by educating, demonstrating and providing support for clean energy technologies, practices, and policies. The N.C. Solar Center serves as a resource for innovative, clean energy technologies through demonstration, technical assistance, outreach and training. It also administers the Database of Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE), a resource providing financial incentives and policies.
Major Milestones
1981 NCSU Solar House dedicated by Governor Jim Hunt
1981 Solar House research program initiated
1988 NC Solar Center dedicated and begins operation
1988 Solar Center dedicated; begins operations
1988 Solar technical program begins
1993 Solar thermal testing begins
1995 Solar Center begins Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE).
1996 NCSU grants Solar Center use of research annex for solar R&D purposes
1996 Solar Center begins commercial/industrial program
1997 Rotary International funds Solar Center PV program in Bolivia
1997 Solar photovoltaic testing begins
1998 Solar Center begins electric vehicle program
1999 Solar Center becomes state coordinator of federal Million Solar Roofs Initiative (MSRI)
2003 Solar Center’s wind program begins
2003 Solar Center’s Alternative Fuel Vehicle garage built adjacent to NCSU Solar House, establishing the Center’s alternative fuel/clean transportation and biofuels program
2004 Solar Center begins 2004 Renewable Energy Technology Diploma Series & establishes Workforce Development/Training program
2009 Solar Center establishes Energy Policy Program
2009 Solar Center establishes U.S. Department of Energy Southeastern Clean Energy Application Center
2009 Solar Center completes Micro-Combined Heat & Power (CHP) demonstration
2012 Solar Center begins Certificate in Renewable Energy Management
2012 Solar Center helps create the first Southeastern Coastal Wind Conference
2012 Solar Center establishes North Carolina CHP Initiative
2013 Solar Center establishes Boiler MACT technical assistance program
Awards
1983 and 1985 Proclamations from the Governor (Hunt and Martin)
1984 Solar House receives U.S. Dept Energy Award for Energy Innovation
1991 Solar Center wins National Environmental Achievement Award from Renew America
1991 National Environmental Awards Council Environmental Success Index
1994, 1999, 2005 Interstate Renewable Council Renewable Energy (IREC) Recognition
1996 Certificate of Environmental Achievement by the National Awards of Environmental Sustainability
1998 NEAT EV Rally Participant
2002 NCSEA Recognition NC Green Power Formation
2004 NC sustainability Award – presented by Sustainable NC
2005 Best Sustainable Practice Award – presented by the Sustainable Buildings Industry Council
2005 Interstate Renewable Council Renewable Energy Innovation award- for the Renewable Energy Technology Diploma Series
2010 “Green Award” for best Educational Program (Green Buildings) – presented by the Triangle Business Journal
2010 Southern Energy Expo 10 year participant Award
2010 Clean Air Champion Award (for Clean Transportation Program)- presented by U.S. EPA Region 4
2011 Green Education Program of the Year (Clean Transportation) – presented by the Triangle Business Journal
U.S. Department of Energy Million Solar Roofs Best Progress Award for the SE Region