Why It Matters

A diverse portfolio of energy fuels and sources helps maintain a secure, reliable and resilient energy grid. Renewable energy is becoming an increasingly important part of this energy generating mix, keeping costs down and reducing environmental impacts. In fact, according the US Energy Information Administration, by 2022 approximately 14% of the total electric generation in North Carolina was from renewable resources. The majority of the renewable energy generated in North Carolina is from solar, followed by hydroelectric power. In addition to the benefits noted above, renewable energy also provides long-term advantages toward a healthier environment. Most renewable energy generation sources have zero or low site-based environmental impacts such as NOx, SOx and GHG emissions. As the electric grid transitions toward being powered with a greater percentage of renewable energy generation, the state enjoys lower air emissions and reduced environmental impacts.

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Services

The Center is staffed by engineers, scientists and policy experts with specific expertise in clean energy technologies and policies as well as in workforce development to support North Carolina’s residences and businesses. We can help you advance a renewable energy project from a concept to a reality through a renewable energy assessment where a project can be defined and evaluated to determine the:

Energy potential: our engineers have the expertise and tools to determine the energy generation potential of a particular renewable energy resource at a specific site; and
Economic potential: a renewable energy assessment also includes an evaluation of the project with respect to the installation and operations and maintenance costs as well as the projected cost savings. The economic analysis incorporates your utility’s renewable energy tariffs as well as applicable incentives.

USDA REAP Service Card

USDA REAP

The USDA REAP/REDA program funds our team to provide renewable energy assistance to agricultural producers and rural small business. Assistance includes education about commercially-available renewable energy technologies, applicability, and implementation of renewable energy systems and resources available to eligible REAP applicants. REDA support may also include renewable energy site assessments as well as technical assistance…
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Onsite Energy Analysis Service Card

Onsite Energy Analysis

The Center provides direct technical assistance to industrial, commercial and institutional facilities and other large energy users. Technical assistance includes support in identifying, evaluating and implementing technology options for achieving site-specific energy goals. Our assistance includes a broad range of services from an initial screening of multiple technologies to identifying the most cost-effective strategy to…
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Community Solar Service Card

Community Solar

Community solar projects allows electric utility customers to purchase or subscribe to a portion of a larger PV system, and to receive credit on their electricity bill for their proportionate share of the electricity produced by the system. A share may represent one or more panels in a solar array, and the program can be…
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Renewable Energy Analysis Service Card

Renewable Energy Analysis

Renewable Energy Assessments focus on practical solutions that organizations can use to incorporate renewable energy into their existing energy mix. Renewable Energy (RE) Assessments are available at three levels of complexity, depending upon the phase of the project being considered
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Technologies

The Center works to find solutions to technical and policy matters relevant to the solar industry that can be of use to the citizens of North Carolina and across the country. We have a rich history of providing solar PV assessments to businesses and other entities in North Carolina and solar thermal energy assessments to citizens, businesses and government entities in the state.

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Recent News

Examine All Levels of the Energy Marketplace at the 2025 State Energy Conference of North Carolina

Examine All Levels of the Energy Marketplace at the 2025 State Energy Conference of North Carolina

On April 29 to 30, 2025, the State Energy Conference of North Carolina will return to the McKimmon Center at NC State University. The annual conference attracts hundreds of energy…

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Supporting Farmers and Rural Small Businesses – USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program

Supporting Farmers and Rural Small Businesses – USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), has a long history of providing rural small businesses and agricultural producers with guaranteed…

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Carolinas Renewable Energy Development Assistance and Siting Hub is Now Available

Carolinas Renewable Energy Development Assistance and Siting Hub is Now Available

In March 2024, six state-based projects were selected to receive funding in the first of three rounds of awards under the Renewable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning (R-STEP)…

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Events

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Resources

2023-2024 Annual Report

The annual report highlights Center achievements that took place from July 2023 to June 2024.

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A Word to the Wise - Home Energy Upgrades with the Inflation Reduction Act

Congratulations, you’ve made the decision to upgrade your home and prioritize clean and efficient energy! Review these tips to help you avoid some of the painful mistakes made by those…

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Unas Palabras para el Sabio - Su Guía para Mejorar su Energía en la Casa con la Ley de Reducción de la Inflación

Felicitaciones, ¡ha tomado la decisión de mejorar su casa y priorizar la energía limpia y eficiente! Para estar lo más preparado posible, debe informarse sobre productos, diseños, prácticas de construcción,…

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Staff

Isaac Panzarella

Associate Director, Technical Services

ipanzar@ncsu.edu

Art Samberg

Program Director, Clean Power and Industrial Efficiency

asamber@ncsu.edu

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NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Keep up with the Center’s work and with industry news, by receiving one or all of our newsletters. The Center newsletter provides an overview in all areas, while program area specific newsletters dive a little deeper into their respective areas. Sign up today to stay in the loop!

 

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TAKE ACTION

Enhance your skills or begin a career change with one of our training classes!  The Center offers several training opportunities for professional development and the highest level of continuing education in renewable energy technologies.  Get started today. 

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