NCSU Solar House (April 25, 2022)


April Meeting

Join us on April 25th with Dr. Stephen Terry for a meeting and tour of the NCSU Solar House

The NCSU Solar House, built in 1981 by NC State’s Professor Herbert Eckerlin of the Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Department, was created to promote and demonstrate renewable energy technologies to the community.  The house features 5 kW solar PV panels, solar water heating, a ground loop geothermal heat pump, efficient construction, and insulation, LED lighting, and is designed with several passive solar features that further reduce energy costs.  The site was used to conduct numerous renewable energy research projects, educating undergraduate students, and enabling graduate students to write research papers, theses, and dissertations.

Today, the primary purpose of the Solar House is STEM education and outreach as well as renewable energy research.

Check out this video on the construction of the Solar House in 1981!

We look forward to seeing you at our meeting as a great way to kick off the NC State Energy Conference!

The Solar House now has online meters for the house and the garage.  Check them out!

RSVP:

See Form Below

When:

Monday, April 25, 2022
5:30 PM to 7 PM

Where:

The address of the Solar House is
1201 Gorman St
Raleigh, NC 27606
It is located right next to the McKimmon Center.
Google Maps Link

Who:

NCAEE Members and Friends

Cost:

No cost for attendees

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Stephen Terry’s long-term goal is to contribute to the practice and awareness of energy conservation. Dr. Terry is the Director of the Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) in MAE. The members of the IAC visit manufacturing plants in North Carolina to show them how to save energy. On average, each visit results in a $50k energy savings per year. The assessments at the manufacturing plants are performed by students who, through this experience, also learn how different plants operate.

Dr. Terry looks for students to work in the IAC who enjoy the practical side of engineering with an interest in energy conservation. The IAC is involved in a wide range of research topics in the energy field, but the topics always involve a high level of interaction with an industry, so Dr. Terry looks for students who also have good written and verbal communication skills.

Directions:

Best parking is in the adjacent parking lot at the McKimmon Center.

The NC State Solar House’s address is 1201 Gorman St, Raleigh, NC 27606 and is located at the corner of Gorman St. and Western Blvd.  Parking is available in the McKimmon Center main parking lot and is free for participants.

Additional Information:

  • If lost, call Dale Cranford cell phone 336-553-7768
  • Note: Parking at NCSU is free after 5:00 PM, so recommend you arrive just after 5:00 PM

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