Adjacent to the Solar House at NC State University’s McKimmon Center is the Alternative Fuels Vehicle Garage, a facility where visitors can learn about alternative fuels such as biodiesel, ethanol, compressed natural gas, electric, hybrid, and hydrogen vehicles. Demonstration displays show biodiesel and ethanol production, along with a CNG conversion kit and distribution unit. Alternative fueled vehicles include a manufacturer designed electric truck, a student converted electric car, and a gas-electric hybrid. Generating power for the electric vehicles and the facility are 24 128W integrated Uni-solar photovoltaic laminate installed on structural standing seam metal roofing panels for a total power of approximately 3kW. This 48 volt DC system can be run through an inverter to supply AC power for vehicle charging and facility power or connect to an electrolyzer that will create hydrogen for use in a fuel cell system. The facility is also equipped to export extra electricity to the grid or import utility power to supplement the Photovoltaics in meeting the load.

Regular visiting hours are 9:00 to 5:00 Monday through Friday and 1:00 to 5:00 on Sundays (excluding holiday weekends). If you are interested in scheduling a group visit, please call (919) 515-3799.