FAQs

The Center no longer manages the NCSU Solar House. If you are interested learning more about the house, please visit: https://www.engr.ncsu.edu/theengineeringplace/the-solar-house/

Due to a tightened state budget, Center staff are not available to speak at K-12 events. The NC State Engineering Place is focused on K-12 STEM education and may be able to provide speakers or suppport for your event. Please contact the Engineering Place at https://www.engr.ncsu.edu/theengineeringplace/

We love interns! The Center does have an intern program. Currently, the intern program is designed for undergraduate and gradute students attending local universities. There are limited opportunities for high school students and recent college graduates. If you are interested in becoming an intern, please contact Allison Carr.

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners® (NABCEP®) is the most respected, well-established, and widely recognized international certification organization for professionals in the field of renewable energy. NABCEP offers certifications and credentials for skilled professionals, specialists, and those new to working in solar. NABCEP offers a NABCEP PV Associate Credential for those starting out in the renewable energy industry. After completing the 40-hour FSPV: Fundamentals of Solar PV Design and Installation course, you are eligible to sit for the NABCEP PV Associate exam to become a NABCEP Photovoltaic Associate™. NABCEP also offers six PV professional certifications, such as the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Certification and PV Technical Sales Certification. All of NCCETC’s solar training courses count towards the educational requirements to qualify for these six credentials. Interested in a certification? Contact the Training Team at cleanenergy@ncsu.edu to figure out your best path to get there!

Our courses are open to anyone and everyone, regardless of experience or background! If you are new to the solar industry, we recommend beginning with FSPV: Fundamentals of Solar PV Design and Installation or REPD: Renewable Energy Project Development which do not have any prerequisite requirements. If you have solar industry experience, then you are welcome to take our more advanced and technical trainings such as ASPV: Advanced Solar PV Design and Installation, O&M: Operations and Maintenance of PV Systems, and Solar Storage. These courses require that you have taken an entry-level solar course (such as FSPV), have a working knowledge of solar PV, or currently work in the industry.

You are welcome to take just one course, two, many, or all of them with us! However, please keep in mind that some of the more technical classes require that you have taken an entry-level solar course (such as FSPV: Fundamentals of Solar PV Design and Installation), have a working knowledge of solar PV, or currently work in the industry.

It depends! Some people complete the Diploma Series in a few months and some people choose to spread the courses out over a year depending on their schedule and when the courses are offered. Take them at the rate that works best for you. There is not a time limit to complete the Diploma Series.

REPD, or the Renewable Energy Project Development course, is an 11-week, 40-hour online course where you receive a certificate of completion from NC State after successfully completing the course. The Diploma Series requires 120-hours of training (40 hours could come from REPD), and you receive a non-degree diploma from NC State University after successfully completing the 120 hours of training.

Yes! We can do custom training outside Raleigh, NC. We also offer REPD: Renewable Energy Project Development online for anyone outside the state, region, or country.

We can do both! Check out our Customized Training page and contact the Training Team at cleanenergy@ncsu.edu with any questions.

Registration is easy and admission to NC State or the program is not required. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER will take you to the training program’s registration page where you can register for one course or a package of courses, all from the same link.

Yes! Most of our training courses and all our packages have a three-month installment payment option. The payment plan is tax-free and interest-free. The first payment must be made at the time of registration, and the following two payments should be made on the first of the month for the following two months. You will receive a reminder email to make the following two payments, and you will not receive credit for the course until full payment has been made. If you have any payment concerns or have a unique situation, please contact the Training Team at cleanenergy@ncsu.edu for assistance.

Due to our training courses being classified as part of a continuing education program, there are certain funding restrictions. However, we are able to accept funds from the AmeriCorps Education Award and the NC 529 College Savings Program. If you have questions about specific sources of funding, please contact the Training Team at cleanenergy@ncsu.edu for more information. We also provide Solar Bootcamp training for residents of Southeastern NC at no cost through a project funded by the US Department of Labor.

Unfortunately, we do not offer any scholarships at this time. If you are looking for funding opportunities, check in with your local workforce development board to see if you qualify for assistance.

In the event you need to cancel, the following options are available:

– Cancellations 32+ days before the course receive a full refund minus a $25 processing fee

– Cancellations 15-31 days before the course receive a 50% refund

– Cancellations 8-14 days before the course receive a 25% refund

– Cancellations 0-7 days before the course are ineligible for a refund

– Attendee substitutions from within the same company may be made at any time before the start of the course at no cost. Please send an email to cleanenergy@ncsu.edu with the name of the current registrant and the name and email address of the new registrant to begin the substitution process.

We cannot guarantee that you will get a job after completing our training. However, we can give you the tools to make you a competitive candidate and connect you with our industry partners that are hiring. We also typically see a lot of networking happening within classes and you would have access to ask our instructors questions about different solar companies and how to be a more competitive candidate. All course participants are invited to join the NCCETC Training Program Alumni group on LinkedIn for continued networking.

Yes! Whether you are looking to start as an installer, learn policy and finance, or go into tech sales, we have got you covered! Our courses are open to anyone and everyone, regardless of experience or background. We recommend beginning with FSPV: Fundamentals of Solar PV Design and Installation or REPD: Renewable Energy Project Development. These courses do not have any prerequisite requirements and provide the foundational information you need to begin working in the solar industry. If you are not sure which course to pick, just reach out to the Training Team at cleanenergy@ncsu.edu, and they will help you determine which courses are best for you.

The NCCETC can provide information about energy efficiency technologies and tools to help reduce energy costs. Additionally, if you are at an industrial facility, you may be eligible for a no-cost energy efficiency audit through grants we have that provide funding for these services. Please contact Art Samberg at asamber@ncsu.edu.edu or (919) 515-5959. If you are in need of a residential energy assessment, please start by contacting your electric utility.

There are many resources available to help you explore solar farm development. Please visit our ‘Resources‘ section for a list of associations that provide information about companies and project developers that install various renewable energy applications. Additionally, if you are a small rural business or an agricultural producer, we can provide no-cost renewable energy assessments from funding we receive through USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

Please visit our ‘Resources‘ section for a list of associations and other resources that provide information about solar PV system installation companies.

The NCCETC can provide on-site and/or renewable energy assessments for industrial, institutional, and commercial facilities. These assessments are key to determining the technical and economic viability of on-site renewable energy at a particular site. In addition, depending on the nature of your site, the NCCETC may be able to provide these assessments at no cost, based on funding we receive from the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Please contact Art Samberg at asamber@ncsu.edu.edu or (919) 515-5959 for additional information.

There are many resources available to help you explore leasing land for solar development. Please visit our ‘Resources‘ section for a list of associations that list project developers for various renewable energy applications.

Please visit our ‘Resources‘ link for information on new business start-up support organizations.

For more information on the Center’s Energy and Sustainability Services, refer to this flyer.

NCCETC has a number of engineers (including Profressional Engineers) and scientists on staff. Our full-time technical staff is augmented by full and part-time research assistants, including student interns, to maintain a strong link to the University and to provide students hands-on opportunities to support the ‘Think and Do’ philosophy.

Combined heat and power (CHP) or cogeneration is an efficient and clean approach to generating on-site electric power and useful thermal energy from a single fuel source. As a distributed energy source, CHP provides more efficient, reliable, and resilient energy, usually at lower costs to industrial, commercial, and institutional energy users. Facilities with a concurrent electric and thermal energy demand are potential candidates for CHP. Refer to the U.S. Department of Energy Onsite Energy TAP website for more information.

CHP is a form of distributed generation, which is located at or near the facility consuming the energy, whereas conventional generation happens in larger power plants that are in a central location. CHP’s higher efficiency comes from recovering the heat that would normally be lost in power generation or processes to provide heating, cooling, or additional electricity to the site.

CHP can be used in a variety of applications that have large concurrent electric and thermal loads. A majority of existing CHP systems are found in the industrial sector, providing electricity and steam to chemicals, food processing, and manufacturing. CHP is particularly beneficial at critical infrastructure sites such as hospitals and military installations that require a continuous supply of reliable and resilient power. In 2025, industrial sites comprised 86 percent of CHP system installations in the United States, while commercial and institutional sites comprised 14 percent of total installed systems.

There are several factors that determine if a particular site is a good match for CHP. However, if your facility has a concurrent thermal and electric load, is located in an area that has frequent outages or voltage drops or if your operation requires a reliable energy source that can withstand grid outages, then CHP may be an option that should be evaluated. Additionally, CHP can be powered by a variety of fuels so that it has the ability to support long-term sustainability goals, especially as low carbon fuels become more readily available. For examples of facilities that have benefitted from CHP, see the national CHP project profile database. If you are interested in CHP please contact Art Samberg at asamber@ncsu.edu regarding no-cost resources the team provides to help navigate the viability of these applications.

Explore the CHP landscape in North Carolina with the Onsite Energy Installation Database. Utilizing data updated through December 2024, North Carolina currently has 57 combined heat and power sites, producing a total of 617 megawatts of electricity.

As the U.S. Department of Energy Southeast Onsite Energy Technical Assistance Partnership, we provide no-cost onsite generation technology screenings and advanced technical assistance to explore equipment or operational aspects based on client need. Refer to the Onsite Energy TAP website for more information. Our team also provides education and outreach services through speaking engagements and formal presentations to utilities, trade associations, and other stakeholder groups that have an interest in the benefits of deploying CHP applications, including increased resilience and cost savings. Please contact Art Samberg at asamber@ncsu.edu with additional questions about the Onsite Energy TAP.

EVs can be cheaper to run and maintain than a gas-powered car – no gas, oil changes, and fewer moving parts that need repair. Depending on your driving style and habits, an EV could save you over $1,300 a year in fuel savings alone.
EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions which results in less local pollution near roads and homes. Cleaner air means less disease, reducing your carbon footprint and helping to reduce harmful ozone pollution.
EVs are fueled with locally-generated electricity, not imported oil.
EVs have instant torque, feel smooth when driving, and don’t cause any vibration or noise.
There are dozens of EV models available to choose which one is right for you — ranging in price, brand, size, speed and more. EV prices vary when bought used. Brand new models can start around $30,000 though the prices varies considerably based on the make and model. Find more information on our website at https://nccleantech.ncsu.edu/?s=electric+vehicles, or at PlugInNC.com or FuelWhatMatters.org.

Most new electric vehicles can travel 200-300 miles before needing a charge. While charging at your destination (like your workplace, school, or shopping center) is an option, many EV owners find it most convenient to charge overnight in their garage at home. DC Fast chargers are high-powered chargers that can be used on long car trips to quickly charge your vehicle. There are thousands of EV charging stations located throughout the US, all of which can be found on a map. You can find the location of chargers near you or along your travel route at: https://www.plugshare.com or https://afdc.energy.gov/stations.

There are several types of electric vehicles, including all-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles(PHEVs) available today. Hybrid vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles combine gasoline engines and electric motors which allow vehicles to have a range equivalent to or greater than most vehicles on the road today. Newer models of electric vehicle range all provide 200-350 miles of range.

Most car manufactuers offer plug-in hybrid and/or electric vehicle models. And many car manufactuers are planning to offer new and different options within the next four years. EVs and hybrid vehicles are available to buy from local car dealerships. Details about vehicles currently available in NC are listed at: http://www.pluginnc.com/vehicles/available-electric-vehicles-in-nc/. More information about purchasing EVs is available at: https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/alternatives.shtml. And a list of available EV models can be accessed at: https://www.energy.gov/eere/electricvehicles/find-electric-vehicle-models.

Propane, also known as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or propane autogas, is an alternative fuel that’s been used for decades to power light-, medium- and heavy-duty propane vehicles.
Interest in propane as an alternative transportation fuel stems from its domestic availability, high-energy density, relatively clean-burning qualities compared to gasoline or diesel, and relatively low cost. It is the world’s third most common transportation fuel, behind gasoline and diesel, and is considered an alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Learn more about propane on our website at https://nccleantech.ncsu.edu/?s=propane or at https://www.afdc.energy.gov/fuels/propane.html.

Natural gas vehicles (NGVs) are similar to gasoline or diesel vehicles with regard to power, acceleration, and speed. Two forms of natural gas are currently used in vehicles: compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Both are domestically produced, relatively low priced, and commercially available. Natural gas is an odorless, gaseous mixture of hydrocarbons—predominantly made up of methane (CH4). Light-duty vehicles running on conventional and shale natural gas can reduce life cycle greenhouse gas emissions by 15% (84% if running on RNG). Learn more about natural gas on our website at https://nccleantech.ncsu.edu/?s=natural+gas, or at https://www.afdc.energy.gov/fuels/natural_gas.html.

Biodiesel is a renewable, biodegradable fuel manufactured domestically from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant grease. It meets both the biomass-based diesel and overall advanced biofuel requirement of the Renewable Fuel Standard. Biodiesel is a domestically produced, clean-burning, renewable substitute for petroleum diesel. Using biodiesel as a vehicle fuel increases energy security, improves air quality and the environment, and provides safety benefits. Biodiesel can be blended with conventional diesel. The most common blend of biodiesel is B20, which is up to 20% biodiesel. Learn more on our website at https://nccleantech.ncsu.edu/?s=biodiesel or at https://www.afdc.energy.gov/fuels/biodiesel.html.

If you are a customer of Duke Energy Carolinas or Duke Energy Progress, you can participate in their Solar Choice tariff. Commonly referred to as net metering, this option allows you to first use the power your system produces, and then get credited for any excess power you feed back on to the grid. You can go here for more information. If you are a customer of another utility, you will want to contact them to see if they offer net metering.

The NC Clean Energy Technology Center’s Word to the Wise whitepaper has some helpful tips for picking a solar installer.

Word to the Wise (English) 

Word to the Wise (Spanish)

The federal government previously had a 30% tax credit for installing solar panels on your house, but it was repealed. You can review the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for additional incentives. 

The federal government previously had a tax credit for certain energy-efficient home improvements and equipment purchases, but it was repealed. Your electric utility may provide financial incentives for energy efficiency improvements. You can review the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for a complete listing. Additionally, the Inflation Reduction Act provided funding to states to administer two new rebate programs: the Home Efficiency Rebates (HER) Program and the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) Program. Click here for more information.

North Carolina has a law that provides some protection against restrictive covenants that would prohibit, or have the effect of prohibiting, the installation of a solar collector. However, the law does allow covenants to prevent the insalltion of panels that would be visible from public areas.

Energy efficiency is one of the most practical approaches to reducing operational costs while at the same time reducing a facility’s overall environmental (including carbon) footprint. To learn more about the benefits of energy efficiency and project examples, visit the Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency page. In addition, the Center’s Clean Power & Industrial Efficiency team can provide more information on energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities for your site.

The Center’s Clean Power & Industrial Efficiency team can provide resources to assist with identifying energy efficiency measures based on your particular building’s use. In addition, we can help determine potential opportunities for low- or no-cost energy audits as well as funding opportunities to implement energy efficiency projects. Contact Art Samberg at asamber@ncsu for more information.

If you are in need of a residential energy assessment, please start by contacting your electric utility. The NC Department of Environmental Quality has a webpage dedicated to residential energy efficiency that provides resources to assist in lowering residential energy bills. The site also contains information on assistance available through, for example, the NC Weatherization Assistance Program, a grant-funded, income-based initiative that provides North Carolinians with a range of weatherization services.

Opportunities to incorporate energy efficiency are plentiful. Often, we find that sites that implement an energy management system have a better understanding of overall consumption and when to use equipment during peak and off-peak hours. Recommendations often include reducing compressed air leaks, incorporating variable frequency drives on high-consuming equipment, and retrofitting to LED lighting. One option for consideration is to conduct energy benchmarking, which enables you to compare your site’s energy consumption with peer facilities. See the US EPA Portfolio Manager website for useful information on tracking your site’s energy consumption.