Renewable Energy
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.
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
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…
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…
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…
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
Technologies
Energy Policy Task Force Addresses Growing Electricity Demand in North Carolina
North Carolina is one of the top 10 electricity-producing states in the country, however, it consumes four times more energy than it produces. In response to the rapidly growing demand…
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2026 State Energy Conference of NC: April 28-29 – Connecting NC’s Diverse Energy Economy
WHAT: The 2026 State Energy Conference of North Carolina, hosted by the NC Clean Energy Technology Center and NC State University’s Office of Professional Development, offers the annual, two-day…
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U.S. Data Center Gold Rush Drives Surge in New Utility Tariffs
By: Justin Lindemann (NCCETC) and Rusty Haynes (SEPA) One year ago, we described how the U.S. data center boom was prompting electric utilities, regulators, and policymakers to scramble to accommodate these new…
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2024 - 2025 Annual Report
The annual report highlights Center achievements that took place from July 2024 to June 2025.
DownloadTips for Choosing a Solar + Storage Contractor
It's important to make an informed decision when selecting a contractor. This flyer details what you should consider to ensure hiring a qualified, trustworthy professional.
DownloadOpinions on Large-scale Renewable Energy Development Among Community Members in North and South Carolina
NC State University conducted a telephone survey of community members in North and South Carolina to get an understanding of their opinions on solar and, to a lesser degree, wind…
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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.