About the North Carolina Solar Energy Association

History and Accomplishments

In recent years, specific NCSEA activities have included:

Publishing the Carolina Sun quarterly, mailed to members and distributed free of charge at all meetings, workshops and activities;
 

Running the Triangle Tour of Solar Homes, part of the National Tour of Solar Homes, each October. Last year we had a two-county tour including houses, apartments, and an office building;
 

Participating in the Legislative Study Commission and Utilities Commission hearings on electric energy restructuring. Richard Harkrader, past NCSEA chair, was chosen by Governor Hunt to serve on the study commission as environmental chair;
 

Working with NC Department of Revenue and the NC Solar Center in writing regulations for solar tax credits;
 

Put on the Solar Now! Fair, an exhibition of solar and electric vehicle vendors and technology which accompanied the Sunrayce (national race of photovoltaic-powered autos) arrival in Raleigh. Cooperated with the Solar Center in hosting the national Sunrayce team;
 

Testifying at Least Cost Utility Hearings across the state;
 

Sponsoring a special briefing session on the status of solar technologies for state and local decision-makers;
 

Calling for the state of North Carolina to adopt a goal of obtaining 20 percent of its energy supplies from renewable resources by 2010;
 

Preparing a set of specific energy policy recommendations, which are designed to help the state achieve the 20 percent goal, and submitting them to state agencies, commissions and councils for consideration;
 

Sponsoring the first Renewable Energy and Environment Conference with over 30 co-sponsoring environmental groups;
 

Organizing Solar Action Day at the State Legislature;
 

Produced a solar/green building educational slide show and presentation;
 

Coordinated Capital Earth Day 2000 (Raleigh) and planned participation in Greensboro, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Umstead State Park Earth Day events; and
 

We continue working with the N.C. Solar Center and other groups to sponsor workshops, seminars, conferences, tours, and educational programs.

          During the coming year, NCSEA will work hard to ensure that sound energy policies are implemented, that utility companies and regulators have the best available information on renewable energy technologies, and that consumers and building professionals have the latest information on solar applications. With a strong track record and a challenging agenda for the future, NCSEA hopes you will consider joining us as an active member. We need your skills, energy, and financial support if we are to move together toward a renewable energy future.

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