Carolina Sun, Summer 1999 · NORTH CAROLINA SOLAR ENERGYASSOCIATION 2501 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 150 Raleigh, NC 27607 Tel. (919) 832-7601 Fax. (919) 863-4101 E-Mail: [email protected]

Inside:99 Triangle Area Solar Home Tour 3

NCSEA News 4

Earth Day 2000 Preview 5

Duke Solar Headquartersto be at Centennial 6

Solar Center News 7

What One Member Can Do 13

Daylighting Study Shows the Light 13

On the House 14

NCSEA T-Shirt 16

Volume 22 No. 2 Summer 1999Carolina Sun

Published by North Carolina Solar Energy Association

If you didn’t come to Sunrayce 99 andSolar Now Festival in Raleigh on June21 just because it was drizzling, youmissed a lot of fun. We didn’t see a lotof solar cars running on their own power,but they did all arrive at the NCSUMcKimmon Center, and we gave thema big welcome.

Two solar car teams finished on theirown power that day, University of Mis-souri, Rolla (who came in first overall inthe race) and Queens University, Canada.There were 29 cars and teams in all,from universities and colleges acrossNorth America, and they did the bestthey could considering they had cloudsall day from their start in Charlottesville,Virginia, that day. We didn’t see any signsof anyone giving up, though—theytilted up all solar panels toward the set-ting sun to get whatever energy theycould until it was pitch black outside.The entire McKimmon Center parkinglot was filled with solar cars, students,and interested on-lookers. It was quitean impressive scene.

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Solar Center’s banner in front of the Solar House.

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➊ Raffle winner holds solar mini-car.➋ Queen’s University car crossing finish line 6/21.➌ Solar Now Festival tent.➍ Cars preparing for take off June 22.➎ University of Missouri-Rolla car crossing

finish line June 21.

NORTH CAROLINA SOLARENERGY ASSOCIATION2501 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 150Raleigh, NC 27607Tel. (919) 832-7601Fax. (919) 863-4101E-Mail: [email protected]://www.mindspring.com/~ncsea

1999 Board of Directors

Chair: Richard HarkraderNew Morning Solar Realty

Vice Chair/Chair-Elect: Hank WallWoodWise Design & Remodeling

Secretary: Parie HinesBrown and Jones, Architects

Treasurer: Wayne JonesBrown and Jones, Architects

Director, NC Solar Center: Larry Shirley

Joyce BrownChapel Hill Town Council

Van CrandallPioneer Electronics

Arnie KatzAdvanced Energy Corp.

Chris LarsenNC Solar Center

Sherri Zann RosenthalEno Commons

Scott SuddrethRock Castle Solar

Lisa WilsonDesign Collaboration

Tom WillsSolar Consultants

Jon ZubizarettaInnovative Design

Executive Director: Susan Luster

Administrative Services: Your Office USA

CAROLINA SUNis a publication of the NCSolar Energy Association (NCSEA), a privatenonprofit organization founded in 1978 tocommunicate with solar enthusiasts and solarbuilding professionals in North Carolina.NCSEA carries out many of its activities incooperation with the NC Solar Center, andencourages the public to contact the SolarCenter (1-800-33-NC SUN) for solar informa-tion. (The NC Solar Center is sponsored bythe Energy Division of the NC Departmentof Commerce in cooperation with NC StateUniversity.)

Managing Editor: Susan LusterEditorial Board: Chris Larsen, Tom Mincarelli,

Fred Stewart, Scott SuddrethDesktop composition: Klaus Holder

CAROLINA SUN accepts unsolicitedmanuscripts, artwork, and photographs.All materials are subject to editing.

Chair’s Columnby Richard Harkrader

Twenty years ago, when NCSEA wasformed, we were responding to the ‘74 and‘79 oil crises and a new environmentalawareness among North Carolinians. Thelate ‘70s and early ‘80s saw solar take off,helped by tax credits and high energy prices.We were flying high, and then along cameReagan and his fossil fuel friends whopulled the plug on government assistance.At the same time, we did not help ourselvesby not exposing the scam artists who movedin to capitalize on the generous solar taxcredits. Overnight the industry died andsolar got a reputation as a technology thatdid not work. Since then, solar and all re-newables have been fighting that legacy.

At our annual Board retreat in January1998, NCSEA began an ambitious quest fora renaissance in solar and renewable energyin North Carolina. This year NCSEA istaking the offensive. We are taking to thestreets on October 16th with the Solar HomeTour, going to county and city commissionmeetings with the Million Solar Roofs Initia-tive and to the NC Legislature to spread themessage that solar and renewable energy arefor real and ready to help create a clean andsustainable North Carolina. We now haveimproved technologies, a growing numberof qualified installers, an active statewideassociation and a hard-working Solar Cen-ter, all focused on this mission.

NCSEA’s Policy Committee’s task is todesign and implement the strategy for the re-newable energy renaissance. As I reported toyou in the spring issue ofCarolina Sun,wedecided to pursue revision of the NC energytax credits, net metering, and a prominentrole for renewable energy in electric utilityrestructuring.

I am very pleased to announce our firstsuccess—the unanimous passage of newNC renewable energy tax creditsby bothHouses of the NC Legislature this July. FourPolicy Committee members—Chris Larsen,Mike Nicklas, Larry Shirley and I—workedwith Representatives Paul Luebke, Joe Hack-ney and Danny McComas, as well as withlegislature staff, on writing and lobbyingthis bill.

The new credits are 35% for residentialinvestments in biomass, small hydro, solar,and wind, with appropriate tax credit limitsfor each technology. For example, solar isdivided into hot water ($1400 limit), passiveand active space heating ($3500 limit), andPV, wind and small hydro ($10,500 limit).

The same 35% credit applies for com-mercial and industrial installations, with alimit of $250,000! The hot water credit is aslight reduction from the existing credit, but

offering to integrate and balance the creditsbetween the different technologies by lower-ing one and raising others won many sup-porters in the Legislature.

The detailed regulations and work sheetsto accompany the new credits should bedone by the time the new legislation takeseffect on January 1, 2000. In the meantime,installations started in 1999 but paid for in2000 will qualify for the new credit, so donot put off making your renewable energyinvestments.

Another important part of NCSEA’sstrategy is net metering. Net metering al-lows small renewable electricity generatorsto tie onto the utility grid and exchange (notsell) electricity with the utility. This is espe-cially important for PV and solar thermalgenerators who have excess electricity in thedaytime but need it from the grid at night,and helps make these technologies, wind,and others more cost effective. The utilitiesare opposing net metering, saying it is dan-gerous and discriminatory.On September21 at 10:00 a.m. and at 7:00 p.m. theNorth Carolina Utilities Commission willhold a public hearing in Raleigh for mem-bers of the public to give their opinion onnet metering. We have requested this hear-ing—this is the time to show the Commis-sion the level of support these technologieshave in NC. We need to pack the hearingroom with at least 75 supporters. Pleaseplan to attend even if you do not plan tospeak.

Soon the Legislative Study Commissionon the Future of Electric Utilities in NC willbegin meeting again. NCSEA will be there,continuing our quest for a renewable energyrenaissance.N

Brown & Jones,ArchitectsCharles Brown, AIAWayne Jones, AIA

- dedicated to conscientiousclient service and environmentallyresponsible design and construction

Solar Home Designs

Daylighting

Passive and Active Solar DesignAdditions/Renovations

Renewable Energy Systems

14 North Boylan AvenueRaleigh,NC 27603(919) 831-2625e-mail: [email protected]

2 CAROLINA SUN Summer 1999

1999 Triangle Area Solar Home TourSaturday, October 16

About 20 solarhomes in Durham,Orange and WakeCounties will beopen to the public,and will feature pas-sive solar design,active solar systems,photovoltaic sys-tems, and a windpower system.

Tickets are $15 for NCSEA mem-bers, $20 for non-members, and $10 forstudents. Tickets can be pre-purchasedor bought the morning of the tour.

The self-drive tour will begin at theChurch of Reconciliation, 110 N. ElliotRoad, Chapel Hill, where maps and anintroductory program on renewableenergy will be given. Registration andprogram will be held 8:30-10:30 a.m.;homes will be open from 10:00 a.m. to

2:00 p.m. or 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.,depending on location.

State tax credits for solar and renew-able energy installations were increasedthis summer by the NC Legislature.Come learn how solar can be moreaffordable than ever and help improveour environment’s air quality.

Preview of upcoming National Tour ofSolar Homes in the Triangle

This year’s Triangle area tour willinclude many technologies and homestyles. It will show more houses thanever and include almost all solar andrenewable residential technologies.Here are a few preview highlights:

• Working wind turbine system andtracking photovoltaic collector at ahome in southern Wake County.

• Off-grid photovoltaic (totally solar-powered) home in Arcadia co-housingneighborhood in Carrboro.

• Arcadia community’s CommonHouse, their solar community centerand dining/guest house.

• Back to Solterra in Durham:Houses on last year’s tour are nowcompleted, see them and others inthis intentional solar community.

• Several passive solar homes ofdifferent sizes, styles and techniqueswill be on view across the Triangle.

• Sun-tempered homes: See homeswith not as much thermal mass anddirect gain as passive solar, butwhich have good orientation andsouth facing windows.

• Active solar water heating systemswill be shown on older and newerhouses.

Call or email NCSEA for a brochure:919-832-7601 or [email protected] by North CarolinaSolar Energy Association and NorthCarolina Solar Center.N

850 West Morgan St.Raleigh, NC 27603Phone: 919 832 6303

ENERGY EFFICIENT &ENVIRONMENTALLYSENSITIVE DESIGN

Residential

Passive Solar Design

Green Architecture

Daylighting

❂

Alicia Ravetto, aia

Architect

❂

400 West Weaver Street

Carrboro, NC 27510

Tel. 919-933-0999

Fax. 919-933-1988

[email protected]

Summer 1999 CAROLINA SUN 3

Mike Beaver

807 Corporate CircleSalisbury, NC 28147(704) 637-9595 Phone(704) 636-3764 Fax

“Since 1919”Heating • Air ConditioningSolar Energy

B e a v e r B r o t h e r s , I n c .

1210 Suite 104 SE Maynard • Cary, NC 27511P.O. Box 1836 • Cary, NC 27512Voice: 919 461-1664 • Fax: 919 461-9649Email: [email protected]

Rob RobertsonManager

B.R.G. BUILDERS, L.L.C.Alternative Energy Products

Sales and Installations

Rod BairdTel. 828-264-4484

726 Green Knob Mt. Rd. • Boone, NC 28607

Micro-Hydro • PhotovoltaicsEnergy from the Sun for the Heart and Soul

NCSEA NewsEnergy Tax Credits

Upgraded state renewable energy taxcredits passed the NC Legislature unani-mously this summer. See Chair’s Col-umn (page 2) for details.

Net MeteringThere will be a public hearing on

September 21 in Raleigh on net meter-ing. We need your support. See Chair’sColumn (page 2) for details.

Home TourThe Triangle Area Solar Home Tour

will be held October 16. If you’d liketo help with the Home Tour, volunteersare needed to staff the 20 plus houses onthis year’s Triangle tour.Contact NCSEA: 919-832-7601 [email protected].

Annual MeetingThis year’s Annual Meeting will be

held in November and will cover detailsof tax credits and net metering in an af-ternoon session that will be followed bya business meeting and elections for the

board of directors. A social event isbeing planned for the evening—watch your mailbox for exact details.

Board NominationsNominations for next year’s Board

of Directors are being sought. Pleasecontact Sherri Rosenthal, NominationsCommittee Chair, at NCSEA 919-832-7601 or [email protected]. Ballotswill be finalized in late September and theelection will be at the Annual Meeting inNovember.

Slide ShowNCSEA’s Education Committee is

creating a slide show on everything youever wanted to know about building asolar, energy efficient, green home.They need lots of good picture slidesof details and buildings. If you can loanyours, or send an electronic version,please do so in September (submit toNCSEA, 2501 Blue Ridge Road,Suite 150, Raleigh, NC 27607 [email protected].

Nominations Sherri Zann Rosenthal

Carolina Sun Chris Larsen

Solar Home Tour Hank Wall

Policy Richard Harkrader

Education Lisa Wilson

Million Solar Roofs Joyce Brown

Web Site Scott Suddreth

Fundraising Tom Wills

Membership Parie Hines

Thanks to our supporters

Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation for a$50,000 grant to promote renewableenergy in utility restructuring

Peter and Ona Pickens for theirgenerous gift of stock

Mary Norris Preyer Foundation forsupporting the Solar Now Festival

All the Sunrayce sponsors(see cover story)

Life MembersRichard HarkraderPeter and Ona PickensJames and Mary Serene(See the membership form on page 15 to add yourname to this list)


Membership Call to ActionNet Metering Public Hearing

at the NC Utilities CommissionTuesday, September 21at 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM(come either time and come earlyif you wish to speak).

Please show your support for oneof the most important actions theCommission has ever consideredfor renewables.Your presence willmake a difference for the future ofrenewables in North Carolina!

We won on the tax credits—let’sdo it again on net metering. NCSEAhas told the Commission that its

membership cares, and this is ouropportunity to demonstrate this.This net metering docket supportsall renewable electric technologies.

For information about thepublic hearing contact NCSEAat (919) 832-7601 [email protected].

For more information on thedocket contact Chris Larsen at(919) 513-1896 [email protected]

RENAISSANCE-WORKSEnergy Conservation Products, Services and ConsultationTom Mincarelli, P.O. Box 1118, Black Mountain, NC 28711

Tel. E-Mail:(828) 669-1125 or (828) 669-7053 [email protected]

ENERGY CONSERVATION FOR RESIDENCE OR BUSINESS MAKES $ENSE!**** PRODUCT LINE ****

THINK GLOBAL ACT LOCAL - USE SOLAR ENERGY AND CONSERVATIONProduced using Renewable Energy…Solar and Wind…For an Earth Restored and a World at Peace

Solar Modules

Wind Generators

Batteries

Charge Controllers

Inverters

Solar Light Systems

Lighting Systems - AC/DC

Composter Tumblers

Composting Toilets

Water Conservation Products

No-Salt Water Conditioning Systems

Energy Efficient Refrigerators

Energy Efficient Washing Machines

Water Pumps AC/DC/Solar/Wind

Sun Ovens

Sun Light Pipes

Radiant Heating Systems

Radiant Barrier Insulation

Solar Hot Water Systems

Instant Water Heaters

Hurricane Proof Dome Homes!

Earth Day 2000Preview

Earth Day 2000 is gearing up to be amajor international event. The head ofED2K, Denis Hayes, spoke at the Solar99 conference in Maine this summer.His inspiring talk unveiled plans tocreate activities in every corner of theworld to spotlight environmental prob-lems and their solutions. One ofED2K’s big issues is increasing theuse of renewable energy.

Hayes cited 1998 as the hottest yearon record, with the hottest ten years onrecord occurring since 1983. Much ofthis heat is being produced by the burn-ing of fossil fuels, and can be mitigatedby increasing the use of renewable en-ergy and decreasing use of oil, gas andcoal for electricity production and trans-portation. But you already knew allthat; what can we do in North Carolinato be part of ED2K and help make adifference?

A media blitz is being planned na-tionwide that we can all take part in.After the Y2K uproar subsides, andafter the last presidential primaries(March 21) there is a whole month tillEarth Day (April 22). Hayes is planningto blanket the media with positive envi-ronmental messages during this month.Part of that message is the importanceof a “Powershift,” a move away fromfossils and to renewable energy. Whateach of us can do, as well as NCSEAas an organization, is write letters toour local newspaper editors, state andfederal congresspersons, town council-members and mayors, and other deci-sionmakers and media and let them knowthat renewables are the answer andwhat your own suggestions are for yourtown, North Carolina, or our country.

A visit to the Earth Day 2000website (www.earthday.net) provides alot of useful information for day to dayliving as well as information on thebigger picture and upcoming activities.NCSEA will be sharpening its pencilsand tapping out those email messages.How about you? N

of Chatham County, Inc.

New Homes / AdditionsIn a Variety of Housing Styles,and Prices

1459 Redbud RoadPittsboro, N.C. 27312

919-542-5361

Paul Konove

Solar Design / Construction / Consulting / Training

Promoting Solar and Environmentally Attuned Construction

Carolina Country Builders


Duke Solar Headquarters to be at CentennialDuke Solar Energy, a partnership

of Solar Roof International (a privatelyheld solar company) and Duke Engi-neering & Services (an unregulatedsubsidiary of Duke Energy), is gettingready to build Centennial Green, itsheadquarters building, on the Centen-nial Campus of NC State University.Parker Lincoln is developing the build-ing, which was designed by InnovativeDesign, and will be built by AmericanSouth/LP Cox.

The goal of the development team isto make the “Centennial Green” buildingthe best example of sustainable architec-ture in the United States. The buildingwill integrate cutting edge energy andenvironmental technologies and be ashowplace for sustainable development.The building will incorporate many sus-tainable concepts and technologies.

The building will sit on the highestpoint of the campus and will feature thePower Roof™, a patented product ofDuke Solar. The Power Roof will drivean absorption cooling system that willprovide most of the building’s air condi-tioning needs. It will also provide winterspace heating, domestic water heating,and daylighting. As a fully integratedsolar system, it is the building’s roof.

The three-story, 65,000-square-footfacility incorporates numerous featuresthat are key to sustainable buildingdesign:

• Solar heating, cooling and waterheating using the Power Roof™

system;

• Daylighting of perimeter spaces andthose adjacent to the three storyatrium;

• Energy-efficient lighting systemscompatible with daylightingstrategies;

• Energy-efficient mechanical,electrical and ventilation systems;

• Use of environmentally-sensitivebuilding products and systems;

• Site planning that minimizes rainrunoff, minimizes irrigation needs,retains existing natural features, andmaximizes access by public trans-portation, pedestrians and bicyclists;

• Water conservation strategiesincluding using rainwater fromPower Roof™ for irrigation andtoilet flushing;

• Recycling of waste fromconstruction and occupants;

• Artwork and graphics with anenvironmental theme will enhanceeco-education efforts.

For a full brochure on CentennialGreen, contact Innovative Design:919-832-6303 or on the web at:www.innovativedesign.netN

Centennial Green will feature Duke Solar’s Power Roof™.

Light shelves are a significant element in the daylighting strategy.


Dr. Richard Johnson is taking a year’ssabbatical in Malawi with his wife, who isan anthropologist. He has assured us thathe is only an e-mail away. And, in whatmay be a sign of things to come, RobStevens, Solar Engineering Specialist atthe Center, is teaching the Mechanical En-gineering Department’s introductory heattransfer course this summer. Rob seems tobe enjoying his new role as an instructorand may help instruct some of the Depart-ment’s renewable energy and heat transfercourses in the future.■

For more information call theNC Solar Center, 1-800-33-NCSUN or919-515-3480.

Solar Center Fall Calendar

September 17-18Solar Water and Space HeatingWatauga County Office, BooneN.C. Cooperative Extension Service

September 24-25Designing & Building a Solar HomeGuilford County Office, GreensboroN.C. Cooperative Extension Service

September 24-26Photovoltaics for Electrical ContractorsWatauga County Office, BooneN.C. Cooperative Extension Service

COLLEGE ofENGINEERINGNorth Carolina State University

Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center

The NC Solar Center is sponsored by theEnergy Division, NC Department of Commerce,in cooperation with North Carolina StateUniversity. However, any opinions, findings,conclusions, or recommendations expressedherein are those of the author(s) and do notnecessarily reflect the views of the EnergyDivision, NC Department of Commerce.

Division

North CarolinaDepartment of Commerce

Solar Center NewsNorth Carolina State University • Box 7401 • Raleigh, NC 27695-7401 • (919) 515-3480 or 800-33-NC SUN

NORTH CAROLINA

SOLAR CENTER

Solar Update Highlights Role of Restructuringby Chris Larsen, NC Solar Center

Immediately before the 10th Anniver-sary Celebration on June 29th, the Cen-ter hosted the Solar Update ’99 briefingsession. The theme of this year’s eventwas “Electric Utility Restructuring inNorth Carolina: The Role of RenewableEnergy and Energy Efficiency.”

The event featured presentations byBill Spratley and Richard Harkrader.Spratley, who is President of William A.Spratley and Associates, is a nationally-recognized authority on renewable energyand restructuring who tracks restructur-ing developments in all 50 states. Heserved as Ohio’s first consumer counseland director from 1977 to 1993, and heis the founding president of the NationalAssociation of State Utility ConsumerAdvocates (NASUCA). Bill told thecrowd of policy makers and renewablesadvocates about the latest restructuringactivity across the country. He gave his

prognosis for renewables in states thatare in the midst of restructuring debates.

Richard Harkrader, who has quicklybecome North Carolina’s top renewablesadvocate in the restructuring debate,focused his presentation on why restruc-turing will be so critical to the advance-ment of renewables and clean energyin the state for decades to come. BothRichard and Bill fielded tough questionsfrom the audience after their presenta-tions.

After attending the Update, a RaleighNews and Observerbusiness reporterdedicated an article to green power mar-keting—a major trend in states that haveopened their retail electric markets tocompetition. Electric utilities use greenpower marketing to allow customers tochoose electricity produced from renew-able energy. ■

Update fromBoliviaby Scott Aldous, NC Solar Center

The Alalay project in Cochabamba,Bolivia, provided PV systems to ruralschools, in a cooperative project betweenthe NC Solar Center, Rotary Interna-tional, Rotary Club of Cary, NC, andthe local government in Cochabamba.

All planned installations in Alalaynow have been completed successfully,and on Friday, July 30th, the projectwas officially inaugurated with a smallceremony in Alalay’s main school.

Continued on page 8

PV modules installed as part of the system forthe teachers’quarters of Alalay’s main school.The oven beside the modules is for baking bread.People in the shot include Cinthia Ramos, MiguelFernández (director of Energética), and PabloHerrera (one of Energética’s installers)



Continued from page 7

Update from Bolivia

The event, which was televised by alocal news team, included a dance by agroup of some of Alalay’s fifth gradersand a lunch provided by the community.

All installed systems are working per-fectly to the satisfaction of local teachers,students, and community members. Themajority are already being used in adultliteracy programs, while remainingcommunities are in the planning stages.In fact, Alalay’s communities are sopleased that two that were not originallyincluded in the project, Churupampa andKirusillani, have asked for PV systemsof their own after seeing their neighbors’results. Their desire and commitment isaccentuated by the fact that they havealready gathered their necessary localcounterpart. Plans are currently under-way to install these two new systemsvery soon. ■

Solar Center Enjoys Tenth AnniversaryOver 100 individuals—friends from

past and present—helped the SolarCenter celebrate its 10th Anniversarymilestone in Raleigh on June 29. Mod-erating the event was Dr. Herb Eckerlin,Faculty Chair and a founding father ofthe Solar House and Solar Center. Dr.Eckerlin opened with a retrospectiveslide show which began with the groundbreaking for the Solar House and hithighlights through the 1999 Sunrayce.

Chancellor Marye Anne Fox’s open-ing remarks highlighted the increasingimportance and relevance of solar andrenewable energy, especially in light ofconcerns over global warming. Dr. Fox’sacademic background is in photoelectrontransfer which has applications in thesolar field. She reminded the audienceof the critical role that the Solar Centerand institutions like it have in carryingforward the renewable energy banner.

The event’s keynote speaker wasJane Weissman, Executive Director ofthe Interstate Renewable Energy Counciland one of the leading forces in solar inthe U.S. Jane shared her vision of the

future for solar and provided a personalaccount of her relationship with the So-lar Center. She also presented the Centerwith IREC’s Special Recognition Awardfor its role in promoting solar both inNorth Carolina and nationally.

On behalf of the Center, Mike Nicklaspresented partnership awards to NCSEA,the Energy Division, and NC State Uni-versity for their collaborative efforts toforge and sustain the Solar Center overthe past decade. In accepting the EnergyDivision’s award, T.C. Adams, Directorof the Division, emphasized the impor-tant role that renewables can play inNorth Carolina when the state restruc-tures its electric utility industry. RichardHarkrader and Susan Luster presentedtwo awards on behalf of NCSEA, a“tenth birthday present” for the SolarCenter, and a special award to CenterDirector Larry Shirley for his ten yearsof service to solar energy in North Caro-lina.

A good time was had by all, and theCenter eagerly looks forward to whatthe next decade holds!■

Scott Aldous with a part of the PV systeminstalled in Alalay’s main school.

Over Ten Years at the Center…1981: Solar House Dedicated1987: Energy Division Sponsors Solar Center1988: Solar Center Dedicated; Begins Operation1989: Solar Communities Program Begins in Forsyth County1990: Solar Communities Program Begins in Guilford County1991: Solar Communities Program Begins in Western NC1992: Photovoltaic System Installed on Solar House1992: PV for Utilities Working Group Formed1993: PV System Dedicated at NC Power Headquarters1994: State Tax Credits for Solar Energy Expanded1995: Center Begins Applied Research Program1995: Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy Begins1995: Solar Development Initiative (International Program) Begins1996: 1996 National Solar Conference in Asheville1997: Duke Solar is Created/Funds Power Roof Testing1997: Rotary International Funds PV Program in Bolivia1998: Center Begins Electric Vehicle Program1998: Solar Communities Program Begins in Watauga County1998: 10th Anniversary of Solar Center



Marye Anne Fox,Chancellor

Jane Weissman,ExecutiveDirector of theInterstate Re-newable EnergyCouncil

T.C. Adams,Director ofEnergy Division,receives SolarCenter award.

Richard Harkrader,Chair NCSEA

Jane Weissman presents IREC award to Larry Shirley.

Carole Coble, NCSU Solar House and Hank Wall, NCSEA. Bill Spratley talks with Jane Weissman at 10th Anniversary recep-tion.

Mike Nicklas presents service award toDr. Herb Eckerlin.

Richard Harkrader and Susan Luster present NCSEA gift to Larry Shirley.


Continued from page 1

Sunrayce 99These cars are very low, lightweight,

totally solar powered, and driven by oneperson in a tiny passenger area with abubble over the driver’s head. They cango very fast when the sun is shining, anda bit slower or have to be towed whenthe sun doesn’t provide enough energy.The teams travel with chase and leadvehicles, a van for towing, and parent’sand faculty support vehicles. It’s quitean entourage. The students raise a lot ofmoney to pay for the cars and the Sun-rayce trip. The University of Michiganarrived with a huge tractor trailer truckwith an entire machine shop inside.

Over on the Solar House’s south lawn,under the tents (thanks to the Festivalfor the Eno for our “big top”) the SolarNow Festival had lots going on: displaysof solar technologies, solar t-shirts, pop-corn and sno-cones, barbecue buffet,and, best of all, solar powered live music!Yes, it really was solar-powered eventhough the sun was not shining. Chrisand Lynn Carter of Solar Village Institutecharged up a huge battery bank using aPV array the week before, while the sunwas shining, and hooked it up to the stagepower and sound system. Thanks toKathleen Cleary for lining up the musi-cians, who all donated theirtime. We hada variety of music all afternoon and eve-ning from Sue Witty, J’Azure, Moment’sNotice, Late Departure, and a finale byNCSEA favorite Larry Hutcherson.

The volunteers in the refreshmenttent were having a good time too. Festivalco-chair Sam Olin was making sno-conesfor all the kids, Arnie Katz was mixingjuice spritzers, and Jameson Cox andhis son cooked popcorn on a camp stovefor everyone. We had lots of younghelpers too—they blew up hundreds ofballoons and tied them to all the tentsand trees for a festive look. There werelots of young people there, and thanksgo to Carole Coble, Vickie Carraway,Bob Leker, and Dian Diamond for pro-viding entertainment at the kids’ corner.Festival co-chair Tom Wills seemed tobe everywhere at once, setting up tents,staffing the booth, keeping the rafflegoing, troubleshooting for everyone.

Visitors had a chance to ride in anumber of electric cars as part of a rideand drive organized by Jon Mauney andothers of the Triangle Electric Auto As-sociation. While not as flashy as the so-lar cars, they gave a taste of reality andhow cars can be powered in the nearfuture. Electric and natural gas/propanecars were provided by NC Dept. ofTransportation, Carolina Power & Light,

the Solar Center, and individuals. Thesolar scooter was the biggest hit withthe kids!

The Solar House was open all day,and many people toured the house forthe first time. The Research Annex wasopen for tours, and included the latestSolar Center demonstrations, as well asDuke Solar’s prototype Power Roof™.


Tuesday morning there was a big sendoff for the cars as they lined up for thestart line. While it was a little brighterin the morning, by the time they got tothe start line it was drizzling. Two dozenNorth Carolina officials made speechesand wished them well as they flaggedoff each car.

Finally, a big thanks to the sponsorsof the Raleigh Sunrayce events and So-lar Now Festival.

Gold Sponsors

Carolina Power & Light Company,Duke Solar Energy, and Solar VillageInstitute.

Silver Sponsors

International Lead Zinc ResearchOrganization, NCSU College of Engi-neering, Eno River Association, andRichardson’s Music.

Other contributors included:

Bob’s Rental Center, Energy Divi-sion of NC Dept. of Commerce, Innova-tive Design, NCSU McKimmon Center,Nextel, and Triangle Electric Auto Asso-ciation. Thanks also to Susan LoPrestiand Francesco Ianetti for putting to-gether the gift baskets for the teams, andto the companies who donated items.

Thanks to all the volunteers who madethe event possible and to the Solar Centerstaff who were not only the officialRaleigh Sunrayce hosts, but helpedwith many aspects of the Festival.

You can see photos of all thecars on the Sunrayce website:www.sunrayce.com.N


Clean Election Act and the Environmentby Jen Ingles, North Carolina Alliance for Democracy

The North Carolina Alliance forDemocracy is a nonpartisan, grassrootscoalition of individuals and organiza-tions—ranging from NC Solar EnergyAssociation to Common Cause to NCInterfaith Alliance. It is dedicated tolessening money’s powerful influenceon politics—particularly on our stateand local elections. In the past threeelections, the top-spending candidatefor each seat in the legislature won 84%of the time. Each election cycle thestakes are raised and candidates have toaccumulate more contributions if theywant to have a chance at winning. Thecost of winning a seat in the NC legisla-ture has tripled in the past six years.Candidates spend most of their timechasing down campaign money—90%of which comes from less than 1% ofthe population—therefore alienatingvoters and taking the power out of thehands of the people.

Because money is power, issues withvalues outside the realm of economicgain are allowed to go unaddressed.These are issues like affordable health-care, public education, equal repre-sentation of women and minorities inour government, and the health andstability of our Earth’s environment.

A 1998 Gallup poll indicated that68% of Americans considered environ-mental protection a higher priority thaneconomic growth. Yet Congress has con-tinually ignored the will of the people,allowing their decisions to be swayedby their campaign contributors’ inter-

ests. In 1996, individuals and PAC’srepresenting the energy and natural re-sources sector (oil and gas companies,mining, electric utilities, etc.) outspentenvironmental lobbyists 27 to 1. In1998, the environmentalists were out-spent 50 to 1.

If the Clean Election Act is passed,not only will it free up legislators to lis-ten to what the people want and makemore ecologically sound decisions, butit will open the door for passionate envi-ronmental leaders who may have beendeterred from running for office in thepast because of a lack of funding.

What it’s going to take from us isletting our legislators know, loud andclear, that the people of NC want thisbill passed. So please write or call yourlegislators, urging them to support theNC Clean Election Act. Together wecan make this happen.

If you would like more informationon this issue and how it is connected toenvironmental protection issues, callme at 919-967-1699. If you belong toan organization and you would like togive your fellow members an opportu-nity to learn about campaign finance re-form, we would be more than happy todiscuss setting up a meeting for a briefinformative presentation. The presenta-tion includes a ten minute video, a tenminute talk (max.), and time for discus-sion. N

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What One Member Can DoHere is some food for thought from

recent publications of the Union ofConcerned Scientists. Their newsletter,earthwise,and magazine,Nucleus,con-tain many interesting articles for con-sumers regarding air pollution,consumer impacts, and clean energy.

• Think about the big picture whenconsidering relative importance ofrecycling various items. Heavy, largeitems generally have the greatestimpact (the Sunday paper vs. aplastic bag). But keep recycling allthat you can!

• Don’t be fooled by higher fuelefficiency of diesel cars—diesel ismuch more polluting to the air thangasoline, even though you use lessof it.

• Choose and use your auto wisely.UCS cites the manufacture and useof automobiles as causing more airpollution than any other singleconsumer item.

• Building a home? Think aboutrecycled and low-embodied-energymaterials. “The land and wood usedfor new homes are responsible forabout a quarter of consumers’ impacton wildlife and natural ecosystems.Six percent of consumer-relatedwater pollution comes from manu-facturing the materials for newhomes and disturbing the soil duringconstruction,” according to UCS’sspringNucleus.

• Energy tips in their springearthwiseinclude; drive an efficient car; usepublic transportation, walk or biketo work; install energy efficientlights and appliances; and choosean electric utility that generateswith renewables (we eagerly awaitthe day in NC!).

Contact Union of Concerned Scien-tists at [email protected], web site:www.ucsusa.org or Two Brattle Square,Cambridge, MA 02238; 617-864-9405.N

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Daylighting Study Shows the LightResearchers in California have con-

firmed what many North Caroliniansalready know—daylighting in schoolsincreases students’ performance andmakes a more pleasant school environ-ment.

The study was done for Pacific Gas& Electric and the California Board forEnergy Efficiency and tracked 22,000students over two years in California,Colorado and Washington. They foundthat “learning rates were 26 percenthigher in reading and 20 percent higherin math in classrooms with the mostnatural light,” according to aWashing-ton Timesarticle reporting on the study.(July 4, 1999).

Here in North Carolina, studies ofend-of-grade tests for students in threedaylit schools designed by InnovativeDesign of Raleigh have shown scores

increased an average of 14% after twoyears. Innovative Design has designedeleven daylit schools and are big propo-nents of the benefits of daylight. MikeNicklas, the firm’s president, says,“Think of all the money spent annuallyto improve kids’ grades on tests by justone percent—daylighting can make asignificant contribution here.” Theirschools are carefully designed to elimi-nate direct beam sunlight with bafflesand overhangs so the light is even andnon-glaring. They also have many en-ergy saving features including controlson the electric lighting and carefullyplaced and sized windows to preventoverheating.

For more information contactInnovative Design at 919-832-6303.N


On the Houseby Arnie Katz, Advanced Energy

Question:My sister Louise cut an article out

of the newspaper about solar poweredventilation fans for attics. Do thesethings really work? I could install itmyself, since no wiring is required,and the article said it would savemoney by cooling off the attic.

Answer:Ask Louise what she’s doing hanging

out in the attic. And if she’s not spend-ing time up there, why does she want tomake the squirrels and bats more com-fortable? If I wanted a powered atticvent fan, a solar powered one would bea good choice. But in my opinion, pow-ered attic ventilators are generally not agood idea, whether they’re powered bynuclear electricity, burning water buffalodung, landfill-generated methane gas,or directly by the sun.

I happen to think that using photo-voltaic (solar) cells to create electricityto power our houses and businesses isan excellent technology that is proving

itself both practical and economical inlots of different ways. But using the sunto power a marginal and even potentiallydangerous item like a powered attic ventfan doesn’t make the fan more appealing.

Powered attic ventilators are pro-moted as doing three things: reducingsummer air conditioning bills, removingmoisture from the attic, and extendingshingle life. Let’s look at each of these.

Theoretically, these fans reduce attictemperatures by pulling outside air intothe attic. Unfortunately, somebody for-got to tell that to the air. In most of thehouses we’ve tested, the attic fans weredrawing some of their air from thehouse, rather than from the outside.

In other words, they are cooling theattic by drawing air-conditioned air outof your house and into the attic. Air con-ditioning the attic is not recommendedby anyone I know as an effective strategyfor reducing your bills. Effective strate-gies

include sealing the air leaks betweenthe house and the attic, and making surethere is enough attic insulation and it isinstalled properly.

Another problem is that a large fanin the attic that is pulling air out of thehouse can create a negative pressure inthe house. This negative pressure cansuck the flue gasses out of a waterheater or other combustion appliance.In one house we tested, we measuredsubstantial levels of carbon monoxide(CO) in the daughter’s bedroom in thebasement. The CO was coming from thewater heater next to the bedroom, whichwas backdrafting. The daughter hadbeen suffering from flu-like symptomsfor some time. The backdrafting wascaused by the powered attic vent fan.

Vent fans are also promoted to removemoisture from the attic. In our part ofthe country, the humidity is typicallyhigh in the summer, when we’re advisedto run the fans to “cool” the attic. To theextent that the fan is pulling outside airinto the attic, that air will tend to have a

high relative humidity, so it’s unlikelythat it will reduce the moisture level inthe attic.

If there’s an air conditioning unit witha leaky cabinet or leaky ductwork in thatattic, there’s a chance that the moisturein the air will condense on the cold spotsand cause moisture damage. Ratherthan solve moisture problems, the pow-ered attic vent fan may, in fact, cause it.

Finally, powered attic vent fans arepromoted as a strategy to extend shinglelife by reducing the attic temperatures.Shingles are heated up by radiant heatfrom the sun.

It’s possible that ventilating the atticcan reduce the temperature of the air inthe attic, which could reduce the tem-perature of the roof decking, which couldreduce the temperature of the back ofthe shingles. I’ve seen no research, how-ever, that supports the idea that poweredattic fans actually increase shingle life.

Tell Louise that you’d much ratherget a solar-powered outdoor lightingsystem or a solar hot water system. Buta solar-powered attic fan? It’s like smok-ing cigarettes made with vitamin C.■

On the Housepresents informationon residential energy techniques andtechnologies. It is written by Arnie Katz,who is a building science specialist withAdvanced Energy, formerly AlternativeEnergy Corporation, or AEC. AdvancedEnergy is an independent nonprofitorganization established in 1980.

For more information on AdvancedEnergy’s Building Science services, visitthe web site at www.advancedenergy.org.

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Solar Web SitesNorth Carolina Solar Energy Association: www.mindspring.com/~NCSEANorth Carolina Solar Center: www.ncsu.ncsc.eduAmerican Solar Energy Society: www.ases.org/solarDuke Solar Energy: www.dukeengineering.com/services/dukesolar.htmlSolar Energy Industries Association: www.seia.orgUS Department of Energy: www.doe.govMillion Solar Roofs: www.eren.doe.gov/millionroofsNational Renewable Energy Laboratory: www.nrel.govDOE’s Energy Information Agency: www.eia.doe.gov/Worldwatch Institute: www.worldwatch.orgUnion of Concerned Scientists: www.ucsusa.org/energySearchable energy databases: www.internets.com/senergy.htm

Solar Village Institute inc.Chris and Lynn CarterPO Box 14Saxapahaw, NC 27340336.376.9530email [email protected]

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Carolina Sun, Summer 1999 · NORTH CAROLINA SOLAR ENERGYASSOCIATION 2501 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 150 Raleigh, NC 27607 Tel. (919) 832-7601 Fax. (919) 863-4101 E-Mail: [email protected]