Volume 22 No. 1 Spring 1999 Carolina Sun

Published by Solar Energy Association

Solar and Renewable Sales Skyrocketing GOAL by by Tom Mincarelli, Renaissance-Works, Inc. 20% 2010 15% 2005 There is a race going on in North Ca- 10% 2000 rolina — have you heard about it? North 8.7% 1999 Carolinians are buying renewable energy 0% systems and high efficiency appliances as fast as they can, making 1999 a record year for purchases and installations in old and new homes and businesses. A call to some of the dealer/instal- lers in North Carolina will inform you quickly that they are so busy that you may have to wait from four to six weeks for some system components, and up to sixteen months for a SunFrost refrigera- tor/freezer! Installation times are usually backlogged four to six weeks, if you are lucky, with two months being the norm. Many factors are making the public pay now for systems and wait for deliv- Typical Photovoltaic (PV) modules on a home. ery and installation. Maybe the biggest power in the near future. Other factors are many parts of North Carolina this year, of these factors is the “Y2K bug” and hurricanes, tornadoes, and ice storms, bringing awareness of the delicacy of the potential of unreliable public grid which have caused power outages in utility power lines. Demand across the country and abroad has increased in the past two NCSEA Gets Ready to Rumble years beyond the production rate of many renewable energy system and by Chris Larsen, NC Solar Center

The popular new bumper sticker in The bottom line for the Policy Com- Continued on page 11 Minnesota reads: “Our Governor Can mittee is increasing the use of solar and Beat Up Your Governor.” Perhaps other renewables in North Carolina in NCSEA can adopt that spirit with the support of the 20% by 2010 goal. Toward new tag line: “Our Policy Team Can this end, changes in state policies play a Inside: Beat Up Your Policy Team.” Yes, the critical role. Sunrayce ’99 3 NCSEA Policy Committee is keeping Electric Utility Restructuring Letters to the editor 4 & 5 in very good shape these days with end- less activity. This activity currently 1998 saw the ebb and flow of activity ASU Gang Takes Solar to Ossabaw Island 6 spans four areas: on electric utility restructuring. The year began with the optimism that the Study NC Solar Center News 7 • Electric Utility Restructuring Commission on the Future of Electric- Calendar Events 9 & 10 • Net Metering ity in North Carolina would finish its • work and submit a recommendation to Harris Lake Goes Solar 15 Tax Credits the full legislature by January 1999. NCSEA T-Shirt 16 • Solar Center Funding Continued on page 11 NORTH CAROLINA SOLAR Chair’s Column ENERGY ASSOCIATION 2501 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 150 Raleigh, NC 27607 by Richard Harkrader Tel. (919) 832-7601 Fax. (919) 863-4101 Spring is a time of renewal and anti- the environmental community, has not E-Mail: [email protected] cipation of the future. NCSEA began met in months and will probably only http://www.mindspring.com/~ncsea 1999 with a two-day Board retreat in reconvene after the Legislative session 1999 Board of Directors January where we restructured commit- ends. In the meantime, NCSEA has be- Chair: Richard Harkrader tees and designed a very active schedule. come recognized as an important player. New Morning Solar Realty We entered the new year with four new Frequently we are asked for our opinion Vice Chair/Chair-Elect: Hank Wall board members — Van Crandall, Tom and support by stakeholders. Hopefully, WoodWise Design & Remodeling Wills, Lisa Wilson and Jon Zubizaretta we can turn our position into gains for Secretary: Parie Hines — and four new committees: Sunrayce, renewables and protection for the envi- Brown and Jones, Architects Million Solar Roofs, Website, and Edu- ronment and small electric customers. Treasurer: Wayne Jones cation. With all these new committees Brown and Jones, Architects Outreach by NCSEA is going to and dedicated people, NCSEA is plan- Director, NC Solar Center: Larry Shirley greatly increase this year. In addition to ning lots of new activities this year. Joyce Brown the October 16 solar home tours, we are Chapel Hill Town Council With the North Carolina Legislature planning a huge event when Sunrayce Van Crandall Pioneer Electronics in session we have begun several initia- comes to Raleigh and Charlotte June 21 Arnie Katz tives. Several legislators have introduced and 22 with a Renewable Energy Fair Advanced Energy Corp. House Bill 63 to repeal tax credits inclu- complete with exhibits, demonstrations, Chris Larsen ding the solar and renewable tax credits. music, and food. We also want to make NC Solar Center The NCSEA Policy Committee was al- educational presentations in several NC Sherri Zann Rosenthal ready planning to propose revisions to cities on US Department of Energy’s Eno Commons the tax credits before this happened, but Million Solar Roofs if we can get DOE Scott Suddreth Appalachian State University Bill 63 has lit a fire. We believe that in to help cover some of our costs. this case the best defense is a strong of- Lisa Wilson All these activities take lots of volun- Design Collaboration fense, so we are currently writing a pro- teers and money. That’s why we have re- Tom Wills posal to integrate, simplify and equalize cruited a Board of hard working, solar/ Solar Consultants the state tax credits for renewable energy renewable activists and we are working Jon Zubizaretta and the manufacturing of renewable en- Innovative Design on fundraising more diligently. We need ergy equipment. Executive Director: Susan Luster the participation of all NCSEA members Our work before the North Carolina at our events, and we need to continue Administrative Services: Your Office USA Utilities Commission on “net metering” to enlarge our membership. We now is advancing. Board members Joyce have a beautiful new NCSEA T-shirt Brown and Sherri Zann Rosenthal were and hat that you can wear and a new able to get the Town of Chapel Hill and membership brochure you can give the City of Durham respectively to inter- your friends when they see you in your vene in support, and several other impor- new duds and ask you about NCSEA. CAROLINA SUN is a publication of the NC tant groups such as the City of Greens- Or you can tell them to check out our Solar Energy Association (NCSEA), a private boro, the American Solar Energy Society, web site www.mindspring.com/~ncsea nonprofit organization founded in 1978 to communicate with solar enthusiasts and solar Solar Energy Industries Association and where they can learn about all our ac- building professionals in North Carolina. American Wind Energy Association tivities. NCSEA carries out many of its activities in joined us too. As expected, Duke Energy, Solar, renewables and energy cooperation with the NC Solar Center, and CP&L and Power had many ob- encourages the public to contact the Solar efficiency are our future! Center (1-800-33-NC SUN) for solar informa- jections. We have responded to these tion. (The NC Solar Center is sponsored by objections and expect the Utilities Com- Let’s go get it! the Energy Division of the NC Department of Commerce in cooperation with NC State Uni- mission will hold a public hearing this versity.) summer. You will be hearing from NCSEA asking for your support in the Managing Editor: Susan Luster Editorial Board: Chris Larsen, Tom Mincarelli, form of letters and attendance at the Fred Stewart, Scott Suddreth public hearing. We can win this one! Desktop composition: Klaus Holder Join Our work on electric utility restructu- CAROLINA SUN accepts unsolicited ring and deregulation is also advancing, manuscripts, artwork, and photographs. NCSEA All materials are subject to editing. although much slower. The Legislative Study Commission, where I represent

2 CAROLINA SUN Spring 1999 Come to the biggest solar event in North Carolina this year! See futuristic solar cars and solar equipment that is ready now!

Schedule of Events for Sunrayce 99

Location of all events: NC Solar Center at NCSU’s McKimmon Center, Gorman Ave. at Western Blvd., Raleigh

Monday, June 21 3:00 p.m. Solar cars begin to arrive 2:00-9:00 p.m. Solar Now! Festival Renewable Energy Exhibits and Demonstrations Electric Car Ride and Drive SnoCones, Barbecue, Vegetarian Specialties, Cold Drinks Solar Powered Live Music: Sue Witty, Contemporary Folk Artist Solar Power J’Azure, Contemporary Jazz Trio Solar Power Moment’s Notice, Lively Jazz Quintet providedprovided byby Larry Hutcherson, Rock ‘N Blues Band SolarSolar Village Village InstituteInstitute 5:45-6:00 p.m. Awards Ceremony for Sunraycers 7:10 p.m. Last cars arrive 4:00 & 7:00 p.m. Sunrayce Slide Show, Room 6, McKimmon Center 9:00 p.m. Cars are locked up for the night

Tuesday, June 22 9:15-9:45 a.m. Cars line up for start in McKimmon parking lot 10:00-11:00 a.m. Sunrayce cars leave for Charlotte Motor Speedway Cars are flagged off in one minute intervals Exhibit space is still available. Cost is $25. Volunteers are needed! Jobs include setting up tents Call now to sign up: 919-832-7601. and banners, staffing booths, serving food and cleanup. Call today: 919-832-7601.

Spring 1999 CAROLINA SUN 3 Letter to the Editor The Case Against Tax Credits

We all want to see more houses and be accomplished through regulations or cases making a bad reputation for businesses use solar energy—it’s why we codes, as in Israel’s requirement that solar in general. formed the NCSEA. But not all members houses use solar water heating; loan 3. Similarly, organizations like agree that federal or state tax credits are support, as is done for affordable hous- NCSEA can’t mount an effective the best way to achieve our goals. ing; by its enormous purchasing power, push for standards and licensing as in the portion of the Million Solar In an ideal world, mining, drilling, among installers if people are in Roofs Initiative that was to require Fed- and damming, transporting, storing, and the business to sell credits instead eral building projects to evaluate solar burning fossil fuels would have built-in of systems and long-term service. options; or through tax incentives. We economic consequences that would put will not detail these different approaches 4. At current levels the NC tax incen- them in their proper relation to renew- in this letter, we simply want to place tives do not sell solar systems to able sources of energy. Producers and tax credits in context before listing our homeowners. Their existence is users of electricity and petroleum fuels objections to them. often a surprising icing on the cake would pay for the environmental havoc for a system sold on the basis of they leave in their wake. Five reasons we question the value broader philosophical or “big pic- of tax credits: In our less than perfect world, con- ture” economic beliefs. centrations of energy bring forth con- 1. We do not want the solar industry 5. NCSEA has to expend valuable centrations of money, but not of to be beholden to public largess. time and political good will defend- responsibility. The inevitable distribu- ing tax credits and monitoring their tion of consequences means that we all 2. An owner of a small business can effect. We do not wish to make a have a share when it is time to pay. not do planning if heavily depend- larger case of this than it deserves. ent on a gift from the tax laws; po- The government in many ways aids litical wind shifts too easily. When All things considered, taxpayers are and abets the current energy economy the wind blows in favor of substan- suffering very little from the existence by subsidizing the real cost of energy, tial credits, people leap into the of this credit and benefiting from what- all the while wringing its hands over the business selling more tax credit than ever CO avoidance it encourages. We resulting trade imbalances, military in- 2 system. The credits in the 1980’s just feel that there are other, more po- volvements, and environmental degrada- brought many operators into the tent possibilities for creating a balanced tions. What would a barrel of oil cost if business briefly, and they put a lot energy economy. For instance, in the the oil companies had to pay for the of water heating systems on roofs midst of restructuring the production Gulf War? in this area. Many of these were and sale of electricity there are great op- What is the best way to remedy the fine systems, well installed, but just portunities for focusing public aware- imbalance? How can economic forces as many were poorly installed and ness on the real costs of energy, and be corrected to support the better alter- vastly overpriced. And where are deciding afresh how they are to be paid. native? 99% of those dealers today? They And perhaps someday we will re- have closed up and gone. Many of Governments could work on this structure the sale of oil. these systems have fallen into disre- either by decreasing support for central- pair or have been removed due to Fred Stewart and Tom Wills, Solar ized power systems, or by increasing the homeowners’ lack of knowing Consultants, Inc. support for renewables. Either tack can where to turn for service, both

Mike Beaver Beaver Brothers, Inc. “Since 1919” Heating • Air Conditioning Solar Energy 807 Corporate Circle Salisbury, NC 28147 (704) 637-9595 Phone (704) 636-3764 Fax

4 CAROLINA SUN Spring 1999 Letter to the Editor NCSEA News New NCSEA Mailing New board members Address Four new board members are on board 2501 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 150, Oldest Solar System for 1999: Van Crandall of Pioneer Electron- ics, Tom Wills of Solar Consultants, Lisa Raleigh, NC 27607 in Raleigh? Wilson of Design Collaboration, Jon Zu- Our phone number remains the same: I wish to add a footnote to “Solar In- bizaretta of Innovative Design. Tom and 919-832-7601. vestment Turns 20" which appeared in Lisa were elected last year and Van and Jon the Winter 1998 Carolina Sun. But first were appointed by the board to fill vacan- Please note our new mailing address: cies left by the resignations of Phil Mayrand let me thank the author, Fred Stewart, all other addresses are no longer in use. and Eric Soderberg. When Eric returned to We have contracted with Your Office USA who, in his analysis of the economic graduate school and left NCSEA, he also va- benefit of domestic solar hot water heat- cated the post of Chair-elect. The board has to handle our mail and membership da- ing, kindly used the particulars of my appointed Hank Wall of WoodWise Design tabase—this is not an NCSEA office. & Remodeling to be Vice Chair/Chair-elect. own system as his take-off point. New Life Membership Category 1999 Committees To inform my decisions on type (air Here’s a great way to support NCSEA and be a member forever. For just $1000 vs. hydronic) and particulars (sizes and Join a committee! We welcome all NCSEA members be part of the action. you can receive Carolina Sun and member brands of components), I believe that I Contact the NCSEA email or phone line to discounts on events from now on. Fill out had thoroughly canvassed the local join in ([email protected] or 919-832- the form on page 15 today and fax or mail area, and the only operating systems 7601). Following is a list of committees and in with your chosen payment option. Life that I encountered had been installed by chairs. members get a free T-shirt as a small thank you. dealers and manufacturers for demon- stration. Do any of your readers know Nominations Sherri Zann Rosenthal NCSEA thanks these supporters: Carolina Sun Chris Larsen of a Raleigh residential solar domestic Salisbury Community Foundation Solar Home Tour Hank Wall hot water system predating ours? We and Fred Stanback, Jr. first became operational on December Policy Richard Harkrader 9, 1978, with two collectors; the third Sunrayce Sam Olin and Tom Wills Life Members collector was put in service April 6, Education Lisa Wilson James and Mary Serene 1981. Other than routine maintenance Million Solar Roofs Joyce Brown Richard Harkrader and repair of a galvanic corrosion prob- Web Site Scott Suddreth Newest Sustaining Member lem in the tank, the system has been in Fundraising Tom Wills Duke Solar Energy constant service ever since. Membership Parie Hines Is there another homeowner out there with another vintage domestic solar hot water system? Richard Leuba Raleigh, NC RENAISSANCE-WORKS Energy Conservation Products, Services and Consultation Tom Mincarelli, P.O. Box 1118, Black Mountain, NC 28711 Brown & Jones, Tel.(828) 669-1125 or (828) 669-7053 E-Mail: [email protected] Architects

Charles Brown, AIA ENERGY CONSERVATION FOR RESIDENCE OR BUSINESS MAKES $ENSE! Wayne Jones, AIA **** PRODUCT LINE ****

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Spring 1999 CAROLINA SUN 5 ASU Gang Takes Solar to Ossabaw Island by Scott Suddreth Jeff Tiller and ten Appalachian State they camp in tents University (ASU) Appropriate Technol- on the southern tip ogy students traveled to Ossabaw Island, of the island where off the coast of , in early March a small diesel gener- to install a solar electric and solar thermal ator supplies power system. Jeff, who is head of the ASU for the camp during Building Science program, is also affili- its seasonal opera- ated with Southface Energy Institute in tion. The solar sys- , Georgia. Southface, an energy tem was installed a efficiency/renewable energy organization, few miles away was contracted to install a solar system Integral Collector and Storage (ICS) solar water heater. from the base camp on the 25,000 acre Heritage Island to at a beach camp on pump water and heat it for solar showers. tools over the four days of construction. the eastern side of the island which had Rod Baird of Rock Castle Solar helped It was great having a silent generator! no water or power. design and install a large portion of the The basic operation of the system is As with any installation, there were system. Southface also sent three young pumping water out of a shallow well many unexpected obstacles that slowed employees to help with the installation. and storing it in a 500 gallon storage the teams down and changed the origi- tank. The water then travels about 200 nal system plans, to the extent that the feet to a Integral Collector and Storage system was not finished when we left (ICS) solar water heater. This type of the island. The system is 95% opera- panel resembles a common flatplate col- tional and can be put online in a matter lector used in solar water systems but of hours. Jeff Tiller has had no trouble has room for much more water. The finding volunteers to go again to com- panel holds 55 gallons of water in large plete the system. One of the most pesky interior pipes, making it very similar to problems we encountered was swarms a batch water heater. The heated water of miniature mosquitoes who were ap- then flows about 80 feet to a raised parently very hungry. We were forced wooden platform that serves as a to endure tropical conditions in long shower area. sleeves and blue jeans to prevent our- Jeff Tiller (right) and ten Appalachian State Uni- selves from being eaten alive. versity (ASU) Appropriate Technology students. Ossabaw Island has only five human inhabitants and is filled with wildlife The island is a magical place, practi- such as deer, wild boar, armadillo, alli- cally untouched by humans. There was The system consists of four 90 watt gators, and wild donkeys. Other than al- no trash, no buildings, no power lines. photovoltaic panels that charge four deep ligators, there are no natural predators It was a great Spring Break for all those cycle batteries. A 1.1 kW sine wave in- on the island to control animal popula- who made it out to the isle, and a great verter then converts the DC power to AC tions, so hunters enter a lottery for the experience installing solar energy tech- power for a well pump and a booster opportunity to visit the island and har- nologies. pump. This basic electrical system sup- vest game. While hunting on the island, plied all of the power needed for power

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6 CAROLINA SUN Spring 1999 Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center Solar Center News NORTH CAROLINA SOLAR CENTER North Carolina State University • Box 7401 • Raleigh, NC 27695-7401 • (919) 515-3480 or 800-33-NC SUN Power Washing Tests at NC Solar Center

If you stopped by the NC Solar Cen- The cleaning sequence consisting of ter last September, you may have seen two sweeps of a series of pressurize Rob Stevens or Bob McGuffey dan- water, once up and then once down. A gling off a ladder over the Power Roof’s soaking interval was tested between the 48 foot by 10 foot reflector in 70% rela- two sweeps. Since city water was used tive humidity and 90° F plus weather for the washing, mineral deposits were with the sun beating down AND up on found on the reflectors. Manual wash- them. They were not working on a tan ings with a cleaning agent were used as but making one of over 800 reflectome- well, with better results than mecha- ter measurements which they and Peter nized spray. The best cleaning results The cleaning system is made-up of a header and a Nyahoro have made on the Power Roof were measured after a light rain, and series of nozzles. of the spectral reflectance of various ma- conversely, when there was no rain for terials. The Solar Center’s reflectometer several days, the cleaning system im- measurements are being used to evaluate proved reflectance, removing dust and several reflector cleaning strategies. dirt buildup. The combination of rain Since the surface reflectance has a direct and cleaning reduced the average rate relationship with efficiency, it is critical of energy loss by about 80%, compared to keep the surfaces clean to ensure opti- with not cleaning at all. The analysis of mal performance. the cleaning strategies compares these results with those of the control reflec- The Solar Center is assisting Duke tor, which was exposed to weather but Solar to evaluate twenty different clean- was not washed. The cleaning sequence consisting of two sweeps ing strategies tested between August and of a series of pressurize water, once up and then January. The cleaning system is made- Bob McGuffey, the Center’s primary once down. up of a header and a series of nozzles industrial solar engineer, has also been attached to the tracking arm of the col- very active with the Power Roof thermal lector. They evaluated different nozzles, testing at Sandia National Laboratory. spacing of the nozzles, operating pres- Testing was conducted over a month sures and the effects of rain. A cleaning period. Initial results show a very good run was conducted each week, but if it correlation between the model and rained just before the test, the test was actual measured data. This will allow not done. Reflectometer measurements Duke Solar to run simulations for vari- were made before and after each clean- ous applications with high confidence ing, as well as on days between clean- in the model. The Solar Center looks ings. This allowed them to quantify the forward to continuing to work with Bob McGuffey taking reflectometer measurements. cleaning effectiveness of each strategy Duke Solar in the development of this and approximate what the average re- innovative solar thermal technology. Division flectance will be over extended periods of time. North Carolina Department of Commerce

The NC Solar Center is sponsored by the Energy Division, NC Department of Commerce, in cooperation with North Carolina State University. However, any opinions, findings, COLLEGE of ENGINEERING conclusions, or recommendations expressed North Carolina State University herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Energy Division, NC Department of Commerce.

Spring 1999 CAROLINA SUN 7 Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center

Number of Utilities with this Type of incentive Big Brother: incentive Watching What the Direct Financial Incentives Grants and rebates 12 Utilities Are Up To Loans 8 Green pricing/investment programs 28 by Henry Rogers, NC Solar Center Leasing/lease-purchase programs 4 Direct equipment sales 4 Sure you’re being watched—by the government, by the credit agencies, by Voluntary Adoption of Incentives in the Regulatory Domain your utility. But, ever wonder who’s Voluntary net metering provisions 1 watching the utilities? While the NC Voluntary disclosure of fuel use and emissions 20 Utilities Commission watches Duke, Line extension analysis services 16 DSM programs incorporating renewables 8 CP&L, and NC Power, who is watching all the utilities in the country to see who Technical Assistance and Public Information Programs is doing renewable energy work? The Public information/technical assistance centers 19 North Carolina Solar Center, of course. Utility sponsored renewable energy research centers 7 Demonstration projects 24 In the third phase of the database of state incentives for renewable energy (DSIRE), the Center has been asked by the US Department of Energy and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council to Solar Bikes find out which utilities are doing what renewable energy projects, and the re- by Jason Schripsema, NC Solar Center sults are in. I have been assisted on this On January 22-23, a group of high test-ride a couple of very impressive so- project by Anna Reed, who has done school teachers, engineering students, lar-electric vehicles. The bikes could do most of the digging to get the details on and technology enthusiasts came together 18 mph and had a range of about 10-15 these programs. at the North Carolina Solar Center to miles—without any help from the rider! Pedaling increases either the range or Included are direct financial incen- transform a pair of ordinary bicycles speed, and while the solar contribution tives, voluntary adoption of incentives into lean, mean, solar machines. The is minimal while riding, the bikes’ bat- in the regulatory domain, and technical Solar Vehicles Workshop, presented by teries can be completely recharged in assistance and public information pro- Dan Eberle and Art Boyt of Crowder several hours. grams. The incentives apply to a variety College in Missouri, was open to any- one with interest, but was designed as a of renewable energy technologies, not All in all, it was an educational and primer for high school teachers inter- just solar. A full description of the pro- fun couple of days, and I highly recom- ested in getting students involved in the grams will be published early this sum- mend it to anyone interested in solar annual Solar Bike Rayce. mer in a report titled, National energy or electric vehicles. Summary Report On Utility Programs This contest, May 28-30 in Topeka, NCSU’s Renewable Energy Society And Incentives For Renewable Energy. Kansas, was developed to give high (a student chapter of ASES) is planning It will be available from the Center for school students an opportunity to com- to enter a team in the adult league this $50. The information will also be up on pete in a solar vehicle design event. It is summer—both for fun and for the the DSIRE web page this summer at a much simpler and less expensive pro- chance to get their hands on some EV www.ncsc.ncsu.edu/dsire.htm. ject than either the collegiate-level Sun- and PV technology. Wish us luck! The specific criteria used to select rayce (solar cars) or Solar Splash (solar For more info on the Solar Bike the programs are identified in the report boats) but is much more challenging Rayces, just visit their web-site: and care was taken to include only than the Solar Sprint races usually in- http://sunrayce.gmr.com/sea/bike_raycing/ those programs that are currently in tended for grade school students. about_sbr.html place. In total, 155 utility programs are Participants in the workshop learned identified in the report. Sadly, there the theory behind photovoltaics, DC were no programs identified with any motors, motor controllers, meters, bat- North Carolina utilities. (If you know of teries, and race strategy—all of which anything in the state that we may have was interspersed with the hands-on con- missed, let us know!) version of two regular off-the-street bi- cycles. Everyone had the chance to

8 CAROLINA SUN Spring 1999 Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center

Solar Center News by Chris Larsen, NC Solar Center The Center would like to welcome Passive Solar Strategies: design. The second day is a technical its newest staff member, Patricia Brezny. workshop targeted to technical profes- Patricia is a graduate student in Archi- A Computer Workshop sionals, but is of significant value to tecture at NC State University and is for Professionals everyone. Attendees will learn proper helping the Center expand its web page design techniques from national experts; June 3, 1999 and with publication design. Welcome see how daylighting is used in class- DH Hill Library, aboard! rooms, resource centers, gymnasiums, NC State University, Raleigh, NC aquatic centers and offices; evaluate Center staff have been busy traveling Workshop attendees will learn the various operations and maintenance the state and the country this year computer version of the Passive Solar considerations; and review specific spreading the solar word. Executive Industries Council’s Passive Solar De- lighting control, HVAC equipment Director, Larry Shirley returned in late sign Strategies: Guidelines for Home and design software tools. March from a trip to Sacramento, CA Builders, and view demonstrations of where he organized a national solar edu- other energy simulation programs. The cation summit. Larry has also made idea of passive solar is simple, but ap- Sunrayce ‘99 multiple trips to Greensboro and Boone plying it effectively does require infor- June 21-22 where the Center is working with local mation and attention to the details of McKimmon Center, community organizers to develop Million design and construction. Some passive NC State University, Raleigh, NC Solar Roofs Committees. Boone’s group solar techniques are modest and low- —headed by Jeff Tiller, Sue Counts, and cost, requiring only small changes in a Plan to join in the fun on June 21-22 Scott Suddreth—has already adopted a builder’s standard practice. At the other as the national solar car race, Sunrayce name: ARISE (Appalachian Region In- end of the spectrum, some passive solar ‘99, stops overnight in Raleigh at the itiative for Solar Energy). Henry Rogers systems can almost eliminate a house’s NCSU Solar House. The race starts in and John Paces-Wiles recently shared need to purchase energy for heating — Washington, DC on June 20 and pro- the passive solar word with the folks at but probably at a relatively high first cost. ceeds over 10 days of racing to the Flor- the NC Recycling Conference in Wil- ida finish line on June 29 at Epcot in mington, and Chris Larsen made a trip Disney World. The futuristic cars are de- to Boston to talk with community lead- Daylighting for Schools: signed, built and driven by teams from ers in New England about grid intercon- Introductory Seminar competing engineering schools around nection issues. April saw Larry, Chris the country. They will arrive in the park- and Bob McGuffey packing for Soltech and Design Workshop ing lot of the McKimmon Center in the ‘99 in Kansas City where the Solar Cen- June 9-10, 1999 late afternoon of Monday, June 21, and ter had an exhibit and where continuing Dillard Middle School & McKimmon will be on display free to the public. efforts were made to interest a PV or Center, North Carolina State University, The event will include a fair of exhibits, balance of systems manufacturer to lo- Raleigh, NC solar “tekkies” to talk to, food vendors, cate a facility in North Carolina. And, music, a program on solar car racing, This two day seminar and workshop ASES’s Solar ‘99 in Portland, ME is and a chance to visit with the students will provide school administrators, facil- right around the corner! who built the cars. It should be a fun, ity managers, engineers and design pro- family kind of event, and your presence fessionals with the tools for accurately will show the race teams and the media evaluating the benefits of daylighting Spring Workshops that North Carolinians support solar en- and other sustainable technologies suit- For a copy of the spring ‘99 calendar, ergy. Early Tuesday morning, June 22, able for school buildings. To meet the call the Center at (919) 515-3480 or the cars will be “flagged out” as they be- needs of as many attendees as possible, (800) 336-2786 or visit the web site at gin the day’s competition and their jour- this event is divided into two distinct http://www.ncsc.ncsu.edu/cal/calendar.htm ney to Charlotte Motor Speedway, their sessions that can be attended separately. next stop-over. Put this event on your The first day-long introductory seminar calendar now! presents compelling information on the benefits to students, teachers and school systems of daylighting and sustainable Continued on page 10

Spring 1999 CAROLINA SUN 9 Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center

Continued from page 9 Tech Corner: What are AC Solar Update ‘99 Batteries and AC Modules? Briefing “Electricity Restructuring: The Role by Shawn “Tech Guy” Fitzpatrick of Renewable Energy Recently, two confusing terms have and an Advanced Energy Systems MI- and Energy Efficiency” crept into the language of renewable en- 250™ utility interactive inverter. Ascen- ergy. These are “AC battery” and “AC sion Technologies offers the SunSine- June 29 — 1:30-4:30 p.m. module.” Despite what these names 300™. This AC module consists of As- McKimmon Center, might cause you to think, no electrical cension’s own 300 watt utility interac- NC State University, Raleigh, NC engineer has found a new type of chemi- tive DC/AC inverter mounted on an The Solar Update ‘99 Briefing, an cal battery or PV cell that has a sinusoi- ASE America’s 280 Watt PV module. dal AC output. These are merely names annual review of the most timely and Several small utility interactive in- that describe systems coupling DC important renewable energy topics, will verters are available for installer assem- power sources with AC power condi- explore the electricity restructuring is- bled AC modules. Two of them are the tioning equipment. These new products sue in a half-day briefing session. Pre- Trace MicroSine 100™ and the Ad- simplify the implementation of renew- sented by the NC Solar Center and NC vanced Energy Systems’ MI-250™. able energy systems. Solar Energy Association, the briefing is These inverters can be purchased and directed to state and community leaders, AC Battery™ refers to a product line adhered to the back side of a PV mod- business, industry, utilities, and environ- produced by Omnion Power Engineer- ule of appropriate size. These inverters mental organizations. Solar Update ‘99 ing Corporation. This product line com- have all of the UL 1741 and IEEE 929 will feature William Spratley, the na- bines a maintenance-free battery pack, required utility interactive safety fea- tionally renowned authority on renew- an inverter with maximum power point tures. They also incorporate maximum able energy and electricity restructuring tracking, and a programmable power power point tracking. who closely tracks restructuring devel- dispatching unit all rolled into one pre- AC modules offer four primary ad- opments in all 50 states. Mr. Spratley was assembled modular power unit. Its output vantages over traditional PV systems. director of the Ohio Consumer’s Counsel is either single or three phase AC power. for 21 years and is nationally renowned First, AC modules allow a PV system to for his consumer advocacy efforts. “AC module” is a term describing a be built up over time, adding modules Richard Harkrader, Chair, NCSEA, will PV module with an AC output. These when finances allow. Of course mod- speak about policy recommendations are new PV product lines or combina- ules can be added to any PV system, made by the Association. tions of products which consist of a but with AC modules, a big inverter small DC/AC inverter mounted on the doesn’t have to be purchased up front. back side of a typical PV module. Second, AC modules are self-contained th NC Solar Center 10 systems. This is important because it al- An AC module can be bought off the lows the buyer to take advantage of the Anniversary Celebration shelf as an AC module or can be an in- tax credit over multiple years as mod- staller-assembled module. Several com- June 29 — 4:30-7:00 p.m. ules are added. (Contact the Solar Cen- panies offer AC modules which are Solar House, McKimmon Center, ter for more information about NC solar factory assembled couplings of PV NC State University, Raleigh, NC tax credits.) Third, and perhaps most im- modules and a utility interactive DC/AC portant, AC modules make installation a Featured speakers: Chancellor inverter. An installer-assembled AC breeze. Each AC module can be con- Marye Anne Fox (invited) and module can be built by mounting a small nected to a separate breaker in the main Jane Weissman, Executive Director, In- (100 to 300 Watt) utility interactive service panel using ordinary UV resistant terstate Renewable Energy Council DC/AC inverter onto a single PV module. Romex house wiring. Lastly, because Evergreen Solar and Ascension Tech- each inverter is only connected to four nologies are just two of several compa- or fewer PV modules, failure of one in- nies offering off-the-shelf AC modules. verter does not bring down an entire PV Evergreen currently offers two AC mod- array. ules, Eversun ES-112™ and Eversun For more information on these new ES-240™. These are prewired systems products, contact your distributor or of two and four Evergreen PV modules contact the Solar Center for a list of coupled with a Trace MicroSine 100™ distributors.

10 CAROLINA SUN Spring 1999 Solar and Renewable… ordered up to one year. Quality installers of fossil-fueled generators are not readily Continued from page 1 available and many systems sit waiting to be hooked up and may never be in- component manufacturers and distribu- stalled correctly or used. tors. Many customers are admitting that Y2K is not the only reason they are in- Many homeowners are not informed stalling systems but that it’s just time to of the maintenance requirements, noise put renewables in their own homes and factor, and, most importantly, the low- lifestyles. It is certainly a great accom- efficiency of these fossil-fueled units. plishment to start off the new century Generators lose efficiency when they with a reliable and clean source of en- are hot and not under a full load. While Typical control panel for PV system. ergy provided at home. charging batteries, a second loss of effi- ciency is sacrificed at the charger end, duced from 20 or 30 kWh to much less Here’s a rundown on how long vari- and the result may be that for every dol- when homeowners are diligent about ous systems and appliances are being lar spent on fuel, only fifty cents is using high efficiency appliances and back-ordered and installation times at returned in the form of electricity. smarter use of energy. Homeowners are the time of this writing (early April). Twenty-four hour operation of gener- recognizing that every Watt not used is ators is expensive: some large propane Photovoltaic (PV) modules are readily a Watt that doesn’t have to be produced generators can consume up to five gal- available and have not been back-ordered and every dollar spent on energy-efficient lons per hour and over twenty-four at this time, but some brands’ specific appliances will save three to five dollars hours may cost $100 to operate. Rising sizes are not consistently available. Mi- on solar and renewable energy equip- prices for fossil fuels and low availabil- crohydro generator orders are back- ment. logged about six-eight weeks at this ity may be a problem overlooked by time. Wind generators are backlogged purchasers. This information is helping When the year comes to an end, no from four weeks to four months, de- many new purchasers recalculate the one can predict if the availability of pending on the size. Some batteries re- sizing of batteries and renewable charg- renewables will fall further behind the quire a four week lead time from order ing sources and add PV, microhydro or growing demand or whether a stabiliz- to delivery and inverters with complete wind generators, and increase battery ing of supply and demand will occur. control systems may require four to six bank sizing to the largest available. This Prices will probably rise as with all weeks. Solar hot water collectors and allows them minimum- to no-fossil- other appliances, and many homeown- components are taking about four fueled generator running time. ers will realize that investing now will save aggravation later. With a properly weeks to deliver from order time. As for typical system sizes and effi- sized and maintained renewable energy ciencies, the average size of a PV system Many residents are installing high- system and high efficiency appliances, is now around 2 kW, and battery banks efficiency water pumping and storage many North Carolina residents will be often store about 80 kWh of energy. systems for domestic potable water sup- ready to enter the new millennium with The battery voltage is now commonly plies, whether they are on municipal great joy and security. water supplies or have an existing well. 48 Vdc and the efficiency has increased. Special DC-powered pumps are taking Inverters are often stacked to supply 8 about two to four weeks to deliver. to 11 kW of continuous 120 or 220 Vac power with up to 22 kW of surge capa- The appliances in most demand are bility, dwarfing most small fossil-fueled gas, propane and diesel generators and generators. The average daily kilowatt wood fireplaces, which are back- hour loads of many homes has been re-

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Spring 1999 CAROLINA SUN 11 NCSEA Gets Ready… the general reluctance of some utilities best audience for your letter. to see their monopolies shaken up. Net Metering Continued from page 1 NCSEA, however, has not been NCSEA is in the throes of the net That date has come and gone without standing still. In the fall of last year, metering docket with the NC Utilities much headway on the part of the Com- NCSEA commissioned a statewide poll Commission. Since the last issue of the mission. that showed strong support for its re- Sun, there have been two rounds of structuring proposals, and has been comments submitted to the Commission. The reasons the Commission has working behind the scenes to put itself The sidebar shows who came out for been inactive on this issues are twofold. in a better bargaining position once dis- and against net metering in the formal First, the Commission cannot meet cussions begin again. As a governor- intervention process as well as those or- while the legislature is in session (Janu- appointed member of the Study Com- ganizations that have shown support. ary through May of this year). But even mission, Richard Harkrader has kept his NCSEA would like to thank all those before the November election, restruc- finger close to the pulse of the legisla- members who answered the call and turing activity was stalled in large part ture and promises to keep NCSEA at wrote letters of support for net metering. to the marathon budget session of 1998. the bargaining table to the very end. Those letters were submitted as part of Second, after the November elections NCSEA’s first round of formal com- when the House was won by the Demo- To see a copy of NCSEA’s position ments. In the words of one member of the crats, it was realized that the members statement on restructuring, visit the web NC Utilities Commission Public Staff, of the commission appointed by the site at www.mindspring.com/~ncsea. “We’ve never seen this many people re- House Republican leadership in 1997 How you can help with restructuring spond to a formal Commission docket!” would be replaced by new members ap- … Call your legislators! Encourage them pointed by the new Democratic leader- to support electric utility restructuring But the battle is far from over. It has ship. This essentially paralyzed the whether or not they are on the Study been hinted that the Commission may Commission from November to January. Commission. You can also write letters rule on the development of technical in- terconnection standards for customer These logistical issues aside, the main to show your support. If you would like generators with renewables but not rule hurdle to electric utility restructuring in to write a letter, contact Richard Hark- on net metering itself. This would mean North Carolina remains the $5-6 billion rader at [email protected] to find that while it would be relatively easy to stranded costs held by ElectriCities and out the important talking points and the hook up your system to the grid, you may not get the economic benefits and peace of mind that comes with net me- Solar Home for Sale tering.

RECYCLED PAPER BECAUSE WHAT YOU PRINT ON

IS AS IMPORTANT AS WHAT YOU SAY

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12 CAROLINA SUN Spring 1999 How you can help with net meter- the state’s tax credits-not just renewable ing… More letters!! The first request for energy credits. The good news, is that letters from the membership drew a lot of the bill was introduced in last year’s ses- Residential response, and we need to keep it up. If sion and, with the change of leadership Passive Solar Design you would like to write a letter, contact in the House, the bill is not expected to Chris Larsen ([email protected]) pass even though this is a tight budget Green Architecture at the Solar Center to get tips on lan- year for the state. Still, NCSEA sees Daylighting guage to use. Come to the Public Hear- this as an opportunity to improve the ing! The Commission will host a public current slate of credits. NCSEA is work- ❂ hearing on net metering this summer ing with the Revenue Department to (date TBA) in the Dobbs Building in make the tax credits more simple, and Alicia Ravetto, aia downtown Raleigh. It is vital that NCSEA the proposed changes have been intro- have a good showing for the hearing. In duced to the General Assembly by Rep- Architect Iowa two years ago, the overwhelming resentatives Joe Hackney of Chapel public turn out at a net metering hearing Hill, Paul Luebke of Durham, and ❂ was one of the primary factors that led Daniel McComas of Wilmington as to the Iowa Commission to keep net me- House Bill No. 1472 for residential and 400 West Weaver Street tering. You make a difference! commercial and 1473 for manufacturers. Carrboro, NC 27510 Those who responded in favor of the How you can help with tax credits… Tel. 919-933-0999 net metering docket included NCSEA, All members are encouraged to write or the Attorney General’s office, NC Con- call their state legislators to encourage Fax. 919-933-1988 sumers Council, Cities of Durham and their support for the tax credits. The [email protected] Greensboro, Town of Chapel Hill, Smith easiest way to get the contact informa- Farms, American Solar Energy Society, tion for your Representative or Senator American Wind Energy Association, is through the General Assembly web Solar Energy Industries Association, page at http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/ Conservation Council of North Carolina, Or call the General Assembly main Sierra Club, Eno River Association, number at (919) 733-7928. Trace Engineering, Evergreen Solar, Solar Center Funding and many NCSEA members (thanks to all for your letters). Responding against The fourth area of work for the Pol- the docket were Carolina Power & icy Committee is Solar Center funding. Light, Duke Energy, and the Public Currently the Center receives no fund- Staff of Utilities Commission. North ing from the state general budget — Carolina Power/VEPCO was neutral. all funding comes from individual con- tracts and grants, the largest of which is Tax Credits from the NC Energy Division. In order to 850 West Morgan St. North Carolina enjoys the most com- ensure long term, stable support for the Raleigh, NC 27603 prehensive set of tax credits in support Center’s public education and applied Phone: 919 832 6303 of renewable energy in the country. research activities, NCSEA is urging These credits, however, are threatened by a House bill that would repeal all of Continued on page 14

Category Percentage Limit

Current tax credits Solar residential 40% $1,500

Solar commercial 35% $25,000

Solar manufacturer (PV) 25% none

Proposed tax credits (increased to cover all renewable technologies) $1400 solar water heating, $3500 solar space heating ENERGY EFFICIENT & Solar residential 35% $10,500 photovoltaics, micro-hydro, wind and biomass electric generation ENVIRONMENTALLY Solar commercial 35% $250,000 SENSITIVE DESIGN Solar manufacturer 35% none

Spring 1999 CAROLINA SUN 13 Continued from page 13      Power by the legislature to add a line item in the    state budget for the Center. This is no Mother Nature. easy task, given the tight state budget Your costs are kept low, your time this year. But because the Center cannot commitments are kept short (no long directly lobby the legislature on its own term leases - unless you want one). You decide the exact combination of behalf, NCSEA’s role is critical. space and support services that you How you can help with Solar Center need and we’ll tailor a package according to your requirements. funding… Write a letter or call your legislator. Let them know that the Solar Furnished/Unfurnished Offices Center’s activities are of value to the Building Directory Listing state. See above for the General Assem- Video Conferencing bly web page and phone number. Professional Receptionists Funding Policy Work Prestigious Address High Tech Phone Systems How does NCSEA pay for all of Elegant Conference Rooms Powerful Solutions these activities? Efforts in 1998 were Fax/Copy/Gen . Office Services funded in large part through a generous by Hutton. grant from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foun- (919) 863-4100 CALL US TODAY ! dation. In November 1997 the Founda- 2501 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 150 Raleigh, NC 27607 Mother Nature may provide the tion awarded NCSEA $35,000 for work FAX: (919) 863-4101 energy, but only Hutton can on electric utility restructuring. Because WWW.yourofficeRaleigh.com show you how to harness that of the Foundation’s generous support, energy and put it to work. NCSEA has asked them for continued Solar Web Sites funding of its work in the policy area. North Carolina Solar Energy Association: Our dedicated Power Systems www.mindspring.com/~NCSEA The Association has also benefited from North Carolina Solar Center: www.ncsu.ncsc.edu professionals can help you de- the generous support of the Salisbury American Solar Energy Society: www.ases.org/solar sign a solar power system to Community Foundation which contrib- Duke Solar Energy: meet your requirements, uted $10,000 this year. One thing that is www.dukeengineering.com/services/dukesolar.html Solar Energy Industries Association: www.seia.org specify the necessary equip- becoming apparent through all of this ment and then supply you with and last year’s work is that NCSEA is joining, please contact NCSEA at (919) the integrated products on the lead statewide organization carrying 832-7601 or [email protected]. time, exactly where you need the banner for all renewables in North them. Tax Credits Carolina. It’s an exciting position to be The Association is proposing a From solar modules to com- in when there is such a flurry of activity. change in the tax credit code to simplify plete, integrated systems — Get involved! the state’s renewable energy tax credits Hutton Power Systems can NCSEA strongly urges its membership and to increase their value to prospective providecomplete product so- lutions to meet your primary, to get involved with these issues either system buyers. The last time the credits remote and back-up power by joining the Policy Committee or by were changed was in 1994 when most requirements. sending letters of support on these issues. were increased slightly. The table on The Policy Committee meets approxi- page 13 highlight the changes that are mately once a month, usually in the Tri- being proposed. angle area. If you are interested in

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14 CAROLINA SUN Spring 1999 Harris Lake Goes Solar by Fred Stewart Order Form

Wake County Park System continues to put its money where its mouth is. By install- Name: ______ing a PV-driven domestic solar hot water Company ______heater on their new facility at Harris Lake recreation area, they have demonstrated their Address: ______support for the technology. The new recreation area is located ten City/State/Zip: ______miles south of Cary on US 1 at the Shearon Harris exit. It exhibits a number of environ- Telephone: (______) ______mentally-sound construction techniques, E-Mail: ______from the low VOC paints and stains to the long-lasting, recyclable copper roof on the rest station. New NCSEA T-shirt (see design on next page) and hat The Park System was previously involved in solar when they installed a solar water $15 each includes postage and handling heater at their Blue Jay Point center at Falls T-shirts available in L and XL, light blue, light green, athletic gray, or organic cotton natural. Hats available in purple, forest green, forest green with navy bill, or khaki with forest green bill. Lake (with the help of the NC Solar Center) and should be applauded for their consistent support of solar with this installation. Qty. T-shirt Hat Color Size Total Amount So check out this new facility the next time you’re looking for a spot for the family picnic.

Solar Village Independent Renewable Power NCSEA Life Membership: $1000 Dealers, Installers, Educators Solar, Wind & Micro Hydro Systems Support vital NCSEA activities and never pay another membership fee. Serving the Carolinas and Virginia. Pay in full now 4 quarterly payments of $250 Date ______Total $ ______(we will process first credit card payment within 30 days of receipt) Visa/MC ______Exp. Date ___ check enclosed Signature ______charge my credit card Solar Village Institute inc. Chris and Lynn Carter Life Members get a free T-shirt. Select color and size above when sending in membership fee. PO Box 14 Saxapahaw, NC 27340 336.376.9530 Mail form with check OR fax with credit card information to: Fax: 919-863-4101 email [email protected] Living off the grid since 1992! NCSEA, 2501 Blue Ridge Rd., Suite 150, Raleigh, NC 27607 (new address)

NCSEA Membership The North Carolina Solar Energy Association and the American Solar Categories Energy Society (its parent organization) rely on people like you for support of solar activities. Join now! Sign up a business associate, a client, a friend. Individual: $30 Professional: $50 Corporate: $95 Name: ______Sustaining: $250 Student: $15 Company ______ASES: $55 (Special Rate for NCSEA Address: ______members; includes Solar Today magazine) City/State/Zip: ______

Contribution: $ ______Telephone: (______) ______New Member Renewal E-Mail: ______

Spring 1999 CAROLINA SUN 15 New NCSEA Address Your Office USA is now receiving and managing our mail and membership database at Thanks to 2501 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 150 our sponsors: Raleigh, NC 27607 Other addresses are no longer in use. Alicia Ravetto, AIA Beaver Brothers Same phone number: 919-832-7601 New fax number: 919-863-4101 BRG Builders Same e-mail: ncsea@ mindspring.com Brown and Jones, Architects Carolina Country Builders Design Collaboration Enertia Building Systems Grass Roots Press Hutton Power Systems Innovative Design, Inc. Janet Zelman, Realtor Renaissance-Works, Inc. Rock Castle Solar Solar Village Institute Sundance Power Systems, Inc. New NCSEA T-shirt: Support the $15 includes postage and handling. Available in L and XL, light blue, light green, athletic gray, or organic cotton natural. Environmental Federation See order form inside back cover (page 15). of North Carolina Help keep North Carolina healthy and green. Look for us in your workplace campaign. NCSEA thanks Mindspring for providing our Webspace at URL: http://www.mindspring.com/~ncsea EFNC, PO Box 196, Durham, NC 27702 919-687-4840, 800-200-6311 For more information send E-Mail to: [email protected] NCSEA is a charter member of EFNC.

North Carolina Solar Energy Association Non-profit Org. 2501 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 150 US. Postage Paid Raleigh, NC 27607 Raleigh, NC Permit No. 1183