Solar Love
  • Rooftop Solar
    • Energy Storage
  • Solar Panels
  • Policy
  • Research
    • Science
    • Market Research
    • Solar Perceptions & Polls

Solar Love

  • Rooftop Solar
    • Energy Storage
  • Solar Panels
  • Policy
  • Research
    • Science
    • Market Research
    • Solar Perceptions & Polls
PV

Student-Funded Solar Power Structure Installed At NC State

by Jake Richardson October 14, 2015
written by Jake Richardson October 14, 2015
Student-Funded Solar Power Structure Installed At NC State

A 1.5 kw solar power structure somewhat resembling a tree has been unveiled on the Centennial campus at North Carolina State University. The structure is about 16 feet tall and was funded by students to raise awareness about solar technology and sustainability.

NCStatesolartree

Money for the project came from the NC State Sustainability Fund and NC State’s Park Scholarship students who assisted with fundraising. (These students are known for having accomplishments or potential in leadership, service and character.)

The solar power structure was created by Spotlight Solar, a company that builds solar installations to be both visible and beautiful.

“Most roof-top solar installations are hidden from view. Our goal is to put solar at the forefront, where everyone can see it and experience the benefits of clean energy first-hand,” stated Craig Merrigan, Spotlight Solar’s co-founder and CEO.

Of course, locating it on a very large public university campus is quite sensible. The total enrollment is about 34,000, including graduate and undergraduate students, so many students, staff, faculty and visitors will see the ‘solar tree.’

Young adults are typically open-minded about new ideas, so they may be more receptive than some other segments of the population. The fact that the students helped raise the funds to purchase the solar power technology seems to confirm this openness.

“This is a student gift to the University that is designed to drive everyday awareness of the University’s commitment to clean energy. Our ultimate hope is that the solar tree brings visibility to solar energy and solar education,” explained Nathan Pedder, a Park scholar who contributed to the project.

The NC State Centennial campus is also the site of research related to creating a “green grid” that can more efficiently distribute electricity and integrate renewable, clean forms. Additionally, a solar center is located there, so adding a “solar tree” matches the other cleantech work being conducted there.

Image Credit: Marketwire

NC StateSpotlight Solar
0 comment
0
FacebookTwitterPinterest
Jake Richardson

has been writing about solar energy for years on sites like CleanTechnica, Care2, and Planetsave. He enjoys the outdoors and is passionate about protecting life on this planet. You can connect with Jake on Google Plus.

previous post
Florida Supreme Court Ruling: Municipalities To Issue Bonds Funding Green Energy
next post
Nearly One Million Could Learn From Community Solar Projects

You may also like

India’s NTPC Offers Solar Project Management Services To...

June 9, 2019

Neighborhood Power Installing 10 Megawatt Solar Bifacial+Tracker Project...

November 20, 2018

EDF Renewables Commissions 110 Megawatts Of Solar In...

October 30, 2018

Maui Switches On Another 2.87 Megawatts Of Solar...

October 8, 2018

Capital Dynamics Acquires 121 Megawatt Springbok 3 Solar...

September 27, 2018

EnSync Energy Sells CAL FIRE Solar PPA Project...

August 20, 2018

India Sees Highest-Ever Quarterly Solar Addition

April 30, 2018

As Solar Bids Firm Up, Indian State Cancels...

April 24, 2018

Solar+Storage Project Awarded In India’s Andaman Islands

April 23, 2018

New Manufacturing Techniques Could Lower The Cost Of...

April 17, 2018

Follow Me

Facebook

Recent Posts

  • Meet PVCase: A 3D Solar Design Software That Every PV Designer Should Consider

    June 12, 2019
  • Mitsui To Partner With Indian Company For Distributed Solar Projects

    June 10, 2019
  • India’s NTPC Offers Solar Project Management Services To ISA Members

    June 9, 2019
  • Equinor & Scatec Solar Complete 162 Megawatt Brazilian Solar Plant

    November 29, 2018
  • Gamesa Awarded 400 Megawatt Solar Project In Egypt

    November 29, 2018
  • Facebook

@2019 - All Right Reserved solarlove.org


Back To Top