The North Carolina Solar Center (NCSC) actively participates, often taking a lead role, in several important national and statewide programs related to renewable energy. Click program titles for more information.
The Coastal Wind Initiative
North Carolina's Coastal Wind Initiative strives to educate landowners and communities about the wind potential that exists in eastern North Carolina, provide data to help assess the economics of wind turbines, and address concerns specific to coastal wind resource development, with a particular emphasis on how wind energy can help support rural communities and family farms.
NC HealthyBuilt Homes
Lauched in 2003, the new NC HealthyBuilt Homes Program provides visibility and certification for residential builders who practice sustainable “green” building practices.
North Carolina Daylighting Consortium
The purpose of the North Carolina Daylighting Consortium (NCDLC) is to improve the quality of life of and reduce economic and environmental
costs for the citizens of North Carolina through the use of natural light in buildings.
Million Solar Roofs Initiative
This national initiative is administered by the U.S. Department of Energy and promotes a goal of installing one million new solar installations across the country through its state and local partnerships.
NC GreenPower
North Carolina residents, businesses and institutions will soon have the option of choosing power generated from “green” energy sources through their utility company.
Industries of the Future
Through joint public-private R&D collaboration, this program seeks to dramatically improve energy efficiency in nine vital industries that collectively account for more than 75% of industrial energy use.
NC Solar in Schools
The NC Solar Center works with schools across the state to design and install photovoltaic systems that provide hands-on learning experiences for students as well as electric power for schools.
Diploma Series
This continuing education program is for professionals who wish to gain a higher level of knowledge and hands-on training in renewable energy technologies and sustainable building practices. Launched in November of 2004, the Renewable Energy Technologies Diploma Series offers interdisciplinary training in solar thermal, photovoltaics, wind, residential green buildings and biomass and biofuel technologies, as well as business case studies, federal and state policies, and regularly features other renewable technologies such as geothermal or microhydro. The Center is launching a Green Building Diploma Series to train residential and commercial builders on techniques and practices of sustainable construction.
Clean Cities
The Clean Cities Program supports the deployment of vehicles using non-polluting alternative fuels in order to enhance our nation's energy security and air quality.
NC Combined Cooling Heating and Power Program
The NC+CHP Program was established to provide Combined Heat & Power (CHP) technology and information to North Carolina industries and businesses in order to improve profitability, reduce environmental impact and increase reliability. The program also encourages the utilization of in-state renewable energy sources to relieve demand on the state’s energy delivery system and boost local economic development.
Landfill Gas to Energy
The Solar Center coordinates the activities of the Landfill Gas to Energy Steering Committee – a group comprised of public and private entities to promote the development of landfill gas to energy facilities in the state. The Committee provides technical assistance to developers and landfill owners and operators, and facilitates the introduction between these two important parties.
