NCSU Solar House
Celebrating 30 years!
The NCSU Solar House serves as a resource for industry, citizens and students by demonstrating renewable energy possibilities, clean transportation technologies and energy efficient design principles.
Dedicated and opened to the public in 1981, the Solar House at North Carolina State University is one of the most visible and visited solar buildings in the United States. Over the last two decades, more than 250,000 people from around the world have toured the facility.
The NCSU Solar House was built in 1981
Since the N.C. Solar Center was founded in 1988, the Solar House has served as its educational and demonstration showcase for solar and energy-efficient technologies. Specialists and graduate students are available to answer visitors’ questions and help them get the information they need.
A multi-media station provides access to renewable energy Internet sites, a CD-ROM encyclopedia, and a variety of computer programs.
Beyond the educational value of the Solar House, the building, together with an adjacent research annex, is a living laboratory for renewable energy research.
Numerous graduate student theses and dissertations have focused on the House. By monitoring, metering and compiling data, we have determined how well the Solar House works, under what weather conditions and what it costs to operate. The total heating bill per winter for the Solar House averages less than $70.
In addition to viewing the Solar House through our web site, we hope you have the opportunity to visit us in person.
We appreciate your interest and support of renewable energy!
Steve Kalland,
Executive Director
Shannon Helm,
Communications & Outreach Manager
View elapsed footage of the Solar House being constructed
NCSU Solar House hours
The NCSU Solar House is open to the public and for scheduled group tours.
Monday – Friday: 11am – 3:00pm
Please call 919-515-7085 or email mrfanney@ncsu.edu to schedule a group tour.
Meet our Solar House Volunteer Information Specialist – Mickey Fanney
Mickey manages the day-today Solar House operations, gives tours and answers questions related to the Solar House and clean energy technologies. Stop by to say hello!