Google is not the only outlet for learning about clean energy. Since its creation in 1988, the North Carolina Solar Center has provided training, information and programs about renewable energy.

The center is funded by direct appropriation through the N.C . General Assembly, as well as grant funders.

Educating and training professionals through workshops is one of the biggest aspects of the center. In the Renewable Energy Technologies Diploma Series, individuals can receive a certificate after completing a comprehensive week-long course concerning topics such as photovoltaics and solar thermal technologies, according to Maria O’Farrell , the training programs manager.

The cost of the series ranges from $969 to $1,998.

Despite the cost, the RETDS workshop has actually quadrupled under the direction of O’Farrell , according to the N.C . Solar Center website.

For student purposes, though, the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy would be the most useful academically.

Justin Barnes, a senior policy analyst for the solar center, maintains and revises DSIRE .

“When I was a graduate student, I used DSIRE as a resource tool,” Barnes said.

He added that the database includes information on energy efficiency, state and local rebate programs, as well as renewable standards.

There are a number of different areas within the solar center, however. The Clean Transportation program seeks to develop and promote alternative fuel use and transportation technologies, according to Marcy Bauer, a Clean Transportation specialist for the center.

Substitutes to petroleum, such as natural gas, electricity, ethanol and bio-fuel, have been supported by the Clean Transportation program and their projects.

Even the top reaches of the government have responded to the need for alternative fuel.

$30 million of funding from the Energy Department will go toward a research competition to find innovative ways to harness such natural gases for vehicles, President Barack Obama announced at the University of Miami this past week.

In the past, part of the solar center’s funds have gone toward the purchase of hybrid vehicles.

Students may have even seen the Solar Center’s Neighborhood Electric Vehicle – very colorful and tiny – driving around campus, which is utilized by solar center staff members for activities, such as running errands, Bauer added.

Two electric vehicle-charging stations were recently added at the McKimmon Center.

“You can’t beat the mission,” Bauer said. “I feel so tied, in particular, to the Clean Transportation mission. I’m really proud to do work that addresses those kinds of problems.”

But the discussion doesn’t end there; more can be said about the Solar Center’s ties to solar energy. 

According to a publication by the center, 60 percent of hot water needs can be met with one solar thermal collector.

Contrary to popular belief, this kind of technology is cost-effective.

“The energy you save from not heating that water with electricity can pay back the cost of the system in five to 10 years,” the publication said. ”Once installed the heating energy is free and creates no pollution.”

Anyone who wants to see renewable energy in action can visit State’s Solar House, built in 1981, which averages less than a $70 heating bill each winter, according to the solar center website.

Due to state budget cuts, the Solar House was actually closed for a few months. It has since reopened, but because of funding, is looking for a volunteer to give its tours according to Shannon Helm, communications and outreach manager for the center.

Some of the key elements of the house are a photovoltaic system that produces 3.2 kilowatts of electricity, a solar hot water system, a geo-thermal heat pump, as well as two thermal storage walls and other energy-efficient features.

“We’re trying to make it an energy education center,” Helm said.

Along with demonstrating the systems around the Solar House, Tommy Cleveland, a solar energy engineer for the center, conducts research, solar energy testing and renewable energy site assessments.

The N.C . Solar Center has a newly updated solar testing laboratory that is in the process of being Solar Rating and Certification Corporation certified.

The scope of the solar center is not just limited to solar energy and clean transportation, however. It extends to a multitude of other areas, including economic development, green building and wind energy.

“[The center] is just working to make renewable energy commonplace,” Cleveland said. “It’s improving what’s going to be available for tomorrow.”