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
Boviet Solar Opens Their First United States Manufacturing Facility in Greenville, NC
By: Isaac Panzarella, Associate Director, Technical Services For many years North Carolina has been a leader in solar energy generation, due in a large part to the state’s renewable energy…
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Community Member Perspectives Shape the Carolinas Development Assistance and Siting Hub
The NC Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) has been working to gain feedback from local perspectives regarding large-scale renewable energy developments in order to provide resources to communities and local…
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Looking Back on the 2025 State Energy Conference of North Carolina
By: Dawn Haworth, Public Communications Specialist Last month, the annual State Energy Conference of North Carolina brought over 800 energy industry professionals together to take part in transformative energy discussions…
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Tips 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…
Download2023-2024 Annual Report
The annual report highlights Center achievements that took place from July 2023 to June 2024.
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