Volume 22 No. 2 Summer 1999 Carolina Sun

Published by Solar Energy Association

GOAL by 20% 2010

15% 2005

10% 2000 If you didn’t come to Sunrayce 99 and 8.7% 1999 Solar Now Festival in Raleigh on June 0% 21 just because it was drizzling, you missed a lot of fun. We didn’t see a lot of solar cars running on their own power, Solar Center’s banner in front of the Solar House. but they did all arrive at the NCSU McKimmon Center, and we gave them a big welcome. Two solar car teams finished on their own power that day, University of Mis- souri, Rolla (who came in first overall in the race) and Queens University, Canada. There were 29 cars and teams in all, from universities and colleges across North America, and they did the best they could considering they had clouds ➊ ➋ all day from their start in Charlottesville, ,thatday.Wedidn’tseeanysigns of anyone giving up, though—they tilted up all solar panels toward the set- ting sun to get whatever energy they could until it was pitch black outside. The entire McKimmon Center parking ➍ lot was filled with solar cars, students, ➌ and interested on-lookers. It was quite an impressive scene. ➊ Raffle winner holds solar mini-car. ➋ Queen’s University car crossing finish line 6/21. ➌ Solar Now Festival tent. Inside: Continued on page 10 ➍ Cars preparing for take off June 22. ➎ -Rolla car crossing 99 Triangle Area Solar Home Tour 3 finish line June 21. NCSEA News 4 Earth Day 2000 Preview 5 Duke Solar Headquarters to be at Centennial 6 Solar Center News 7 What One Member Can Do 13 Daylighting Study Shows the Light 13 On the House 14 ➎ NCSEA T-Shirt 16 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 Twenty years ago, when NCSEA was offering to integrate and balance the credits E-Mail: [email protected] formed, we were responding to the ‘74 and between the different technologies by lower- http://www.mindspring.com/~ncsea ‘79 oil crises and a new environmental ing one and raising others won many sup- 1999 Board of Directors awareness among North Carolinians. The porters in the Legislature. late ‘70s and early ‘80s saw solar take off, The detailed regulations and work sheets Chair: Richard Harkrader helped by tax credits and high energy prices. New Morning Solar Realty to accompany the new credits should be We were flying high, and then along came done by the time the new legislation takes Vice Chair/Chair-Elect: Hank Wall Reagan and his fossil fuel friends who effect on January 1, 2000. In the meantime, WoodWise Design & Remodeling pulled the plug on government assistance. installations started in 1999 but paid for in Secretary: Parie Hines At the same time, we did not help ourselves 2000 will qualify for the new credit, so do Brown and Jones, Architects by not exposing the scam artists who moved not put off making your renewable energy Treasurer: Wayne Jones in to capitalize on the generous solar tax investments. Brown and Jones, Architects credits. Overnight the industry died and Director, NC Solar Center: Larry Shirley solar got a reputation as a technology that Another important part of NCSEA’s Joyce Brown did not work. Since then, solar and all re- strategy is net metering. Net metering al- Chapel Hill Town Council newables have been fighting that legacy. lows small renewable electricity generators to tie onto the utility grid and exchange (not Van Crandall At our annual Board retreat in January sell) electricity with the utility. This is espe- Pioneer Electronics 1998, NCSEA began an ambitious quest for cially important for PV and solar thermal Arnie Katz a renaissance in solar and renewable energy generators who have excess electricity in the Advanced Energy Corp. in North Carolina. This year NCSEA is daytime but need it from the grid at night, Chris Larsen taking the offensive. We are taking to the and helps make these technologies, wind, NC Solar Center streets on October 16th with the Solar Home and others more cost effective. The utilities Tour, going to county and city commission Sherri Zann Rosenthal are opposing net metering, saying it is dan- Eno Commons meetings with the Million Solar Roofs Initia- gerous and discriminatory. On September tive and to the NC Legislature to spread the Scott Suddreth 21 at 10:00 a.m. and at 7:00 p.m. the message that solar and renewable energy are Rock Castle Solar North Carolina Utilities Commission will for real and ready to help create a clean and Lisa Wilson hold a public hearing in Raleigh for mem- sustainable North Carolina. We now have Design Collaboration bers of the public to give their opinion on improved technologies, a growing number Tom Wills net metering. We have requested this hear- of qualified installers, an active statewide Solar Consultants ing—this is the time to show the Commis- association and a hard-working Solar Cen- Jon Zubizaretta sion the level of support these technologies ter, all focused on this mission. Innovative Design have in NC. We need to pack the hearing Executive Director: Susan Luster NCSEA’s Policy Committee’s task is to room with at least 75 supporters. Please design and implement the strategy for the re- plan to attend even if you do not plan to Administrative Services: Your Office USA newable energy renaissance. As I reported to speak. you in the spring issue of Carolina Sun, we Soon the Legislative Study Commission decided to pursue revision of the NC energy on the Future of Electric Utilities in NC will tax credits, net metering, and a prominent begin meeting again. NCSEA will be there, role for renewable energy in electric utility continuing our quest for a renewable energy restructuring. renaissance. N I am very pleased to announce our first success—the unanimous passage of new CAROLINA SUN is a publication of the NC Solar Energy Association (NCSEA), a private NC renewable energy tax credits by both nonprofit organization founded in 1978 to Houses of the NC Legislature this July. Four Brown & Jones, communicate with solar enthusiasts and solar Policy Committee members—Chris Larsen, Architects building professionals in North Carolina. Mike Nicklas, Larry Shirley and I—worked NCSEA carries out many of its activities in with Representatives Paul Luebke, Joe Hack- Charles Brown, AIA cooperation with the NC Solar Center, and ney and Danny McComas, as well as with Wayne Jones, AIA encourages the public to contact the Solar legislature staff, on writing and lobbying Center (1-800-33-NC SUN) for solar informa- this bill. tion. (The NC Solar Center is sponsored by - dedicated to conscientious client service and environmentally the Energy Division of the NC Department The new credits are 35% for residential responsible design and construction of Commerce in cooperation with NC State investments in biomass, small hydro, solar, University.) and wind, with appropriate tax credit limits Solar Home Designs for each technology. For example, solar is Passive and Active Solar Design Managing Editor: Susan Luster divided into hot water ($1400 limit), passive Editorial Board: Chris Larsen, Tom Mincarelli, Additions/Renovations Fred Stewart, Scott Suddreth and active space heating ($3500 limit), and Daylighting Desktop composition: Klaus Holder PV, wind and small hydro ($10,500 limit). Renewable Energy Systems The same 35% credit applies for com- CAROLINA SUN accepts unsolicited mercial and industrial installations, with a 14 North Boylan Avenue manuscripts, artwork, and photographs. Raleigh,NC 27603 All materials are subject to editing. limit of $250,000! The hot water credit is a (919) 831-2625 slight reduction from the existing credit, but e-mail: [email protected]

2 CAROLINA SUN Summer 1999 1999 Triangle Area Solar Home Tour Saturday, October 16 2:00 p.m. or 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., • Arcadia community’s Common depending on location. House, their solar community center About 20 solar and dining/guest house. homes in Durham, State tax credits for solar and renew- Orange and Wake able energy installations were increased • Back to Solterra in Durham: Counties will be this summer by the NC Legislature. Houses on last year’s tour are now open to the public, Come learn how solar can be more completed, see them and others in and will feature pas- affordable than ever and help improve this intentional solar community. our environment’s air quality. sive solar design, • Several passive solar homes of active solar systems, different sizes, styles and techniques photovoltaic sys- Preview of upcoming National Tour of will be on view across the Triangle. tems, and a wind Solar Homes in the Triangle power system. • Sun-tempered homes: See homes This year’s Triangle area tour will with not as much thermal mass and Tickets are $15 for NCSEA mem- include many technologies and home direct gain as passive solar, but bers, $20 for non-members, and $10 for styles. It will show more houses than which have good orientation and students. Tickets can be pre-purchased ever and include almost all solar and south facing windows. or bought the morning of the tour. renewable residential technologies. Here are a few preview highlights: • Active solar water heating systems The self-drive tour will begin at the will be shown on older and newer Church of Reconciliation, 110 N. Elliot • Working wind turbine system and houses. Road, Chapel Hill, where maps and an tracking photovoltaic collector at a introductory program on renewable home in southern Wake County. Call or email NCSEA for a brochure: energy will be given. Registration and 919-832-7601 or [email protected] • Off-grid photovoltaic (totally solar- program will be held 8:30-10:30 a.m.; Co-sponsored by North Carolina powered) home in Arcadia co-housing homes will be open from 10:00 a.m. to Solar Energy Association and North neighborhood in Carrboro. Carolina Solar Center. N

Residential Passive Solar Design 850 West Morgan St. Green Architecture Raleigh, NC 27603 Daylighting Phone: 919 832 6303 ❂

Alicia Ravetto, aia Architect

❂

400 West Weaver Street Carrboro, NC 27510 Tel. 919-933-0999 Fax. 919-933-1988 ENERGY EFFICIENT & [email protected] ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE DESIGN

Summer 1999 CAROLINA SUN 3 NCSEA News

Energy Tax Credits board of directors. A social event is Nominations Sherri Zann Rosenthal Upgraded state renewable energy tax being planned for the evening— Carolina Sun Chris Larsen credits passed the NC Legislature unani- watch your mailbox for exact details. Solar Home Tour Hank Wall mously this summer. See Chair’s Col- Board Nominations Policy Richard Harkrader umn (page 2) for details. Education Lisa Wilson Nominations for next year’s Board Net Metering of Directors are being sought. Please Million Solar Roofs Joyce Brown Web Site Scott Suddreth There will be a public hearing on contact Sherri Rosenthal, Nominations Fundraising Tom Wills September 21 in Raleigh on net meter- Committee Chair, at NCSEA 919-832- ing. We need your support. See Chair’s 7601 or [email protected]. Ballots Membership Parie Hines Column (page 2) for details. will be finalized in late September and the election will be at the Annual Meeting in Thanks to our supporters Home Tour November. Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation for a The Triangle Area Solar Home Tour Slide Show $50,000 grant to promote renewable will be held October 16. If you’d like energy in utility restructuring to help with the Home Tour, volunteers NCSEA’s Education Committee is are needed to staff the 20 plus houses on creating a slide show on everything you Peter and Ona Pickens for their this year’s Triangle tour. ever wanted to know about building a generous gift of stock Contact NCSEA: 919-832-7601 or solar, energy efficient, green home. Mary Norris Preyer Foundation for [email protected]. They need lots of good picture slides supporting the Solar Now Festival of details and buildings. If you can loan Annual Meeting yours, or send an electronic version, All the Sunrayce sponsors This year’s Annual Meeting will be please do so in September (submit to (see cover story) held in November and will cover details NCSEA, 2501 Blue Ridge Road, Life Members of tax credits and net metering in an af- Suite 150, Raleigh, NC 27607 or Richard Harkrader ternoon session that will be followed by [email protected]. Peter and Ona Pickens a business meeting and elections for the James and Mary Serene (See the membership form on page 15 to add your name to this list)

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

B.R.G.BUILDERS,L.L.C. Alternative Energy Products Sales and Installations Rob Robertson Manager Rod Baird Tel. 828-264-4484 1210 Suite 104 SE Maynard • Cary, NC 27511 P.O. Box 1836 • Cary, NC 27512 726 Green Knob Mt. Rd. • Boone, NC 28607 Voice: 919 461-1664 • Fax: 919 461-9649 Email: [email protected] Micro-Hydro • Photovoltaics Energy from the Sun for the Heart and Soul

4 CAROLINA SUN Summer 1999 Earth Day 2000 Membership Call to Action Preview Net Metering Public Hearing Earth Day 2000 is gearing up to be a major international event. The head of at the NC Utilities Commission ED2K, Denis Hayes, spoke at the Solar Tuesday, September 21 membership cares, and this is our 99 conference in Maine this summer. at 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM opportunity to demonstrate this. His inspiring talk unveiled plans to (come either time and come early This net metering docket supports create activities in every corner of the if you wish to speak). all renewable electric technologies. world to spotlight environmental prob- Please show your support for one For information about the lems and their solutions. One of of the most important actions the public hearing contact NCSEA ED2K’s big issues is increasing the Commission has ever considered at (919) 832-7601 or use of renewable energy. for renewables. Your presence will [email protected]. Hayes cited 1998 as the hottest year make a difference for the future of For more information on the on record, with the hottest ten years on renewables in North Carolina! docket contact Chris Larsen at record occurring since 1983. Much of We won on the tax credits—let’s (919) 513-1896 or this heat is being produced by the burn- do it again on net metering. NCSEA [email protected]. N ing of fossil fuels, and can be mitigated has told the Commission that its by increasing the use of renewable en- ergy and decreasing use of oil, gas and coal for electricity production and trans- portation. But you already knew all that; what can we do in North Carolina Carolina Country Builders to be part of ED2K and help make a of Chatham County, Inc. difference? A media blitz is being planned na- Solar Design / Construction / Consulting / Training tionwide that we can all take part in. After the Y2K uproar subsides, and Promoting Solar and Environmentally Attuned Construction after the last presidential primaries (March 21) there is a whole month till New Homes / Additions Paul Konove 1459 Redbud Road In a Variety of Housing Styles, Pittsboro, N.C. 27312 Earth Day (April 22). Hayes is planning and Prices 919-542-5361 to blanket the media with positive envi- ronmental messages during this month. Part of that message is the importance of a “Powershift,” a move away from fossils and to renewable energy. What RENAISSANCE-WORKS each of us can do, as well as NCSEA Energy Conservation Products, Services and Consultation as an organization, is write letters to Tom Mincarelli, P.O. Box 1118, Black Mountain, NC 28711 our local newspaper editors, state and Tel.(828) 669-1125 or (828) 669-7053 E-Mail: [email protected] federal congresspersons, town council- members and mayors, and other deci- sionmakers and media and let them know ENERGY CONSERVATION FOR RESIDENCE OR BUSINESS MAKES $ENSE! that renewables are the answer and **** PRODUCT LINE **** what your own suggestions are for your town, North Carolina, or our country. Solar Modules Composter Tumblers Sun Ovens Wind Generators Composting Toilets Sun Light Pipes A visit to the Earth Day 2000 Batteries Water Conservation Products Radiant Heating Systems website (www.earthday.net) provides a Charge Controllers No-Salt Water Conditioning Systems Radiant Barrier Insulation lot of useful information for day to day Inverters Energy Efficient Refrigerators Solar Hot Water Systems living as well as information on the Solar Light Systems Energy Efficient Washing Machines Instant Water Heaters bigger picture and upcoming activities. Lighting Systems - AC/DC Water Pumps AC/DC/Solar/Wind Hurricane Proof Dome Homes! NCSEA will be sharpening its pencils and tapping out those email messages. THINK GLOBAL ACT LOCAL - USE SOLAR ENERGY AND CONSERVATION How about you? N Produced using Renewable Energy…Solar and Wind…For an Earth Restored and a World at Peace

Summer 1999 CAROLINA SUN 5 Duke Solar Headquarters to be at Centennial

Duke Solar Energy, a partnership of Solar Roof International (a privately held solar company) and Duke Engi- neering & Services (an unregulated subsidiary of Duke Energy), is getting ready to build Centennial Green, its headquarters building, on the Centen- nial Campus of NC State University. Parker Lincoln is developing the build- ing, which was designed by Innovative Design, and will be built by American South/LP Cox. The goal of the development team is to make the “Centennial Green” building the best example of sustainable architec- ture in the United States. The building will integrate cutting edge energy and environmental technologies and be a showplace for sustainable development. The building will incorporate many sus- tainable concepts and technologies. The building will sit on the highest Centennial Green will feature Duke Solar’s Power Roof™. point of the campus and will feature the Power Roof™, a patented product of Duke Solar. The Power Roof will drive an absorption cooling system that will provide most of the building’s air condi- tioning needs. It will also provide winter space heating, domestic water heating, and daylighting. As a fully integrated solar system, it is the building’s roof. The three-story, 65,000-square-foot facility incorporates numerous features that are key to sustainable building design: • Solar heating, cooling and water heating using the Power Roof™ system; Light shelves are a significant element in the daylighting strategy. • Daylighting of perimeter spaces and those adjacent to the three story atrium; • Site planning that minimizes rain • Recycling of waste from • Energy-efficient lighting systems runoff, minimizes irrigation needs, construction and occupants; compatible with daylighting retains existing natural features, and • Artwork and graphics with an strategies; maximizes access by public trans- environmental theme will enhance portation, pedestrians and bicyclists; • Energy-efficient mechanical, eco-education efforts. electrical and ventilation systems; • Water conservation strategies For a full brochure on Centennial including using rainwater from • Use of environmentally-sensitive Green, contact Innovative Design: Power Roof™ for irrigation and building products and systems; 919-832-6303 or on the web at: toilet flushing; www.innovativedesign.net N

6 CAROLINA SUN Summer 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 Solar Update Highlights Role of Restructuring Update from by Chris Larsen, NC Solar Center Immediately before the 10th Anniver- prognosis for renewables in states that Bolivia sary Celebration on June 29th, the Cen- are in the midst of restructuring debates. by Scott Aldous, NC Solar Center ter hosted the Solar Update ’99 briefing Richard Harkrader, who has quickly session. The theme of this year’s event The Alalay project in Cochabamba, become North Carolina’s top renewables was “Electric Utility Restructuring in Bolivia, provided PV systems to rural advocate in the restructuring debate, North Carolina: The Role of Renewable schools, in a cooperative project between focused his presentation on why restruc- Energy and Energy Efficiency.” the NC Solar Center, Rotary Interna- turing will be so critical to the advance- tional, Rotary Club of Cary, NC, and The event featured presentations by ment of renewables and clean energy the local government in Cochabamba. Bill Spratley and Richard Harkrader. in the state for decades to come. Both Spratley, who is President of William A. Richard and Bill fielded tough questions Spratley and Associates, is a nationally- from the audience after their presenta- recognized authority on renewable energy tions. and restructuring who tracks restructur- After attending the Update, a Raleigh ing developments in all 50 states. He News and Observer business reporter served as Ohio’s first consumer counsel dedicated an article to green power mar- and director from 1977 to 1993, and he keting—a major trend in states that have is the founding president of the National opened their retail electric markets to Association of State Utility Consumer competition. Electric utilities use green Advocates (NASUCA). Bill told the power marketing to allow customers to crowd of policy makers and renewables choose electricity produced from renew- advocates about the latest restructuring able energy. ■ activity across the country. He gave his PV modules installed as part of the system for the teachers’quarters of Alalay’s main school. The oven beside the modules is for baking bread. Dr. Richard Johnson is taking a year’s Solar Center Fall Calendar People in the shot include Cinthia Ramos, Miguel sabbatical in Malawi with his wife, who is Fernández (director of Energética), and Pablo an anthropologist. He has assured us that September 17-18 Herrera (one of Energética’s installers) he is only an e-mail away. And, in what may be a sign of things to come, Rob Solar Water and Space Heating All planned installations in Alalay Stevens, Solar Engineering Specialist at Watauga County Office, Boone N.C. Cooperative Extension Service now have been completed successfully, the Center, is teaching the Mechanical En- and on Friday, July 30th, the project gineering Department’s introductory heat transfer course this summer. Rob seems to September 24-25 was officially inaugurated with a small be enjoying his new role as an instructor Designing & Building a Solar Home ceremony in Alalay’s main school. and may help instruct some of the Depart- Guilford County Office, Greensboro ment’s renewable energy and heat transfer N.C. Cooperative Extension Service Continued on page 8 courses in the future. ■ September 24-26 Division For more information call the Photovoltaics for Electrical Contractors Watauga County Office, Boone NC Solar Center, 1-800-33-NCSUN or North Carolina 919-515-3480. N.C. Cooperative Extension Service 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.

Summer 1999 CAROLINA SUN 7 Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center

Continued from page 7 Solar Center Enjoys Tenth Anniversary Over 100 individuals—friends from future for solar and provided a personal Update from Bolivia past and present—helped the Solar account of her relationship with the So- Center celebrate its 10th Anniversary lar Center. She also presented the Center milestone in Raleigh on June 29. Mod- with IREC’s Special Recognition Award erating the event was Dr. Herb Eckerlin, for its role in promoting solar both in Faculty Chair and a founding father of North Carolina and nationally. the Solar House and Solar Center. Dr. On behalf of the Center, Mike Nicklas Eckerlin opened with a retrospective presented partnership awards to NCSEA, slide show which began with the ground the Energy Division, and NC State Uni- breaking for the Solar House and hit versity for their collaborative efforts to highlights through the 1999 Sunrayce. forge and sustain the Solar Center over Chancellor Marye Anne Fox’s open- the past decade. In accepting the Energy ing remarks highlighted the increasing Division’s award, T.C. Adams, Director importance and relevance of solar and of the Division, emphasized the impor- renewable energy, especially in light of tant role that renewables can play in concerns over global warming. Dr. Fox’s North Carolina when the state restruc- academic background is in photoelectron tures its electric utility industry. Richard transfer which has applications in the Harkrader and Susan Luster presented solar field. She reminded the audience two awards on behalf of NCSEA, a Scott Aldous with a part of the PV system installed in Alalay’s main school. of the critical role that the Solar Center “tenth birthday present” for the Solar and institutions like it have in carrying Center, and a special award to Center forward the renewable energy banner. Director Larry Shirley for his ten years The event, which was televised by a of service to solar energy in North Caro- local news team, included a dance by a The event’s keynote speaker was lina. group of some of Alalay’s fifth graders Jane Weissman, Executive Director of and a lunch provided by the community. the Interstate Renewable Energy Council A good time was had by all, and the and one of the leading forces in solar in Center eagerly looks forward to what All installed systems are working per- the U.S. Jane shared her vision of the the next decade holds! ■ fectly to the satisfaction of local teachers, students, and community members. The majority are already being used in adult literacy programs, while remaining communities are in the planning stages. Over Ten Years at the Center… In fact, Alalay’s communities are so 1981: Solar House Dedicated pleased that two that were not originally 1987: Energy Division Sponsors Solar Center included in the project, Churupampa and 1988: Solar Center Dedicated; Begins Operation Kirusillani, have asked for PV systems 1989: Solar Communities Program Begins in Forsyth County of their own after seeing their neighbors’ 1990: Solar Communities Program Begins in Guilford County results. Their desire and commitment is 1991: Solar Communities Program Begins in Western NC accentuated by the fact that they have 1992: Photovoltaic System Installed on Solar House already gathered their necessary local 1992: PV for Utilities Working Group Formed counterpart. Plans are currently under- 1993: PV System Dedicated at NC Power Headquarters way to install these two new systems 1994: State Tax Credits for Solar Energy Expanded very soon. ■ 1995: Center Begins Applied Research Program 1995: Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy Begins 1995: Solar Development Initiative (International Program) Begins 1996: 1996 National Solar Conference in Asheville 1997: Duke Solar is Created/Funds Power Roof Testing 1997: Rotary International Funds PV Program in Bolivia 1998: Center Begins Electric Vehicle Program 1998: Solar Communities Program Begins in Watauga County 1998: 10th Anniversary of Solar Center

8 CAROLINA SUN Summer 1999 Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center • Solar Center

Marye Anne Fox, Richard Harkrader, Chancellor Chair NCSEA

Mike Nicklas presents service award to Dr. Herb Eckerlin.

T.C. Adams, Jane Weissman, Director of Executive Energy Division, Director of the receives Solar Interstate Re- Center award. newable Energy Council

Jane Weissman presents IREC award to Larry Shirley. Richard Harkrader and Susan Luster present NCSEA gift to Larry Shirley.

Carole Coble, NCSU Solar House and Hank Wall, NCSEA. Bill Spratley talks with Jane Weissman at 10th Anniversary recep- tion. Summer 1999 CAROLINA SUN 9 Continued from page 1

Sunrayce 99 These cars are very low, lightweight, totally solar powered, and driven by one person in a tiny passenger area with a bubble over the driver’s head. They can go very fast when the sun is shining, and a bit slower or have to be towed when the sun doesn’t provide enough energy. The teams travel with chase and lead vehicles, a van for towing, and parent’s and faculty support vehicles. It’s quite an entourage. The students raise a lot of money to pay for the cars and the Sun- rayce trip. The arrived with a huge tractor trailer truck with an entire machine shop inside. Over on the Solar House’s south lawn, under the tents (thanks to the Festival for the Eno for our “big top”) the Solar Now Festival had lots going on: displays of 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 even though the sun was not shining. Chris and Lynn Carter of Solar Village Institute charged up a huge battery bank using a PV array the week before, while the sun was shining, and hooked it up to the stage power and sound system. Thanks to Kathleen Cleary for lining up the musi- cians, who all donated their time. We had a variety of music all afternoon and eve- ning from Sue Witty, J’Azure, Moment’s Notice, Late Departure, and a finale by NCSEA favorite Larry Hutcherson. The volunteers in the refreshment tent were having a good time too. Festival co-chair Sam Olin was making sno-cones for all the kids, Arnie Katz was mixing juice spritzers, and Jameson Cox and his son cooked popcorn on a camp stove for everyone. We had lots of young helpers too—they blew up hundreds of balloons and tied them to all the tents Visitors had a chance to ride in a the Solar Center, and individuals. The and trees for a festive look. There were number of electric cars as part of a ride solar scooter was the biggest hit with lots of young people there, and thanks and drive organized by Jon Mauney and the kids! go to Carole Coble, Vickie Carraway, others of the Triangle Electric Auto As- The Solar House was open all day, Bob Leker, and Dian Diamond for pro- sociation. While not as flashy as the so- and many people toured the house for viding entertainment at the kids’ corner. lar cars, they gave a taste of reality and the first time. The Research Annex was Festival co-chair Tom Wills seemed to how cars can be powered in the near open for tours, and included the latest be everywhere at once, setting up tents, future. Electric and natural gas/propane Solar Center demonstrations, as well as staffing the booth, keeping the raffle cars were provided by NC Dept. of Duke Solar’s prototype Power Roof™. going, troubleshooting for everyone. Transportation, Carolina Power & Light,

10 CAROLINA SUN Summer 1999 Tuesday morning there was a big send off for the cars as they lined up for the start line. While it was a little brighter in the morning, by the time they got to the start line it was drizzling. Two dozen North Carolina officials made speeches and wished them well as they flagged off each car. Finally, a big thanks to the sponsors of the Raleigh Sunrayce events and So- lar Now Festival. Gold Sponsors Carolina Power & Light Company, Duke Solar Energy, and Solar Village Institute. Silver Sponsors International Lead Zinc Research Organization, NCSU College of Engi- neering, Eno River Association, and Richardson’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 LoPresti and Francesco Ianetti for putting to- gether the gift baskets for the teams, and to the companies who donated items. Thanks to all the volunteers who made the event possible and to the Solar Center staff who were not only the official Raleigh Sunrayce hosts, but helped with many aspects of the Festival. You can see photos of all the cars on the Sunrayce website: www.sunrayce.com. N

Summer 1999 CAROLINA SUN 11 Clean Election Act and the Environment by Jen Ingles, North Carolina Alliance for Democracy The North Carolina Alliance for ests. In 1996, individuals and PAC’s Democracy is a nonpartisan, grassroots representing the energy and natural re- coalition of individuals and organiza- sources sector (oil and gas companies, tions—ranging from NC Solar Energy mining, electric utilities, etc.) outspent Association to Common Cause to NC environmental lobbyists 27 to 1. In Interfaith Alliance. It is dedicated to 1998, the environmentalists were out- lessening money’s powerful influence spent 50 to 1. Sunrayce on politics—particularly on our state If the Clean Election Act is passed, and local elections. In the past three not only will it free up legislators to lis- T-shirts elections, the top-spending candidate ten to what the people want and make for each seat in the legislature won 84% more ecologically sound decisions, but for sale of the time. Each election cycle the it will open the door for passionate envi- stakes are raised and candidates have to ronmental leaders who may have been accumulate more contributions if they deterred from running for office in the want to have a chance at winning. The Get your past because of a lack of funding. cost of winning a seat in the NC legisla- Raleigh Sunrayce ture has tripled in the past six years. What it’s going to take from us is T-shirt now! Candidates spend most of their time letting our legislators know, loud and Sunrayce poster art on front, chasing down campaign money—90% clear, that the people of NC want this NC on back. White shirts are of which comes from less than 1% of bill passed. So please write or call your available in S, M, L, XL. the population—therefore alienating legislators, urging them to support the voters and taking the power out of the NC Clean Election Act. Together we $11.95 includes p&h. hands of the people. can make this happen. Send check to NC Solar Center Because money is power, issues with If you would like more information Box 7401, NCSU values outside the realm of economic on this issue and how it is connected to Raleigh, NC 27695-7401 gain are allowed to go unaddressed. environmental protection issues, call These are issues like affordable health- me at 919-967-1699. If you belong to or use order form care, public education, equal repre- an organization and you would like to on page 15. sentation of women and minorities in give your fellow members an opportu- our government, and the health and nity to learn about campaign finance re- stability of our Earth’s environment. form, we would be more than happy to discuss setting up a meeting for a brief A 1998 Gallup poll indicated that informative presentation. The presenta- 68% of Americans considered environ- tion includes a ten minute video, a ten mental protection a higher priority than minute talk (max.), and time for discus- economic growth. Yet Congress has con- sion. N tinually ignored the will of the people, Join allowing their decisions to be swayed by their campaign contributors’ inter- NCSEA

ENERTIA BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC.

Not only Solar — but Sustainable 98% Renewable/Recycled Materials in our Kits Not only Solar — but Geothermal For Summer cooling as well as Winter heating Not only Solar — but Economical Precut Numbered Kits - Free Delivery in NC

Visit our Website at: http://enertia.com P.O. Box 58442, Raleigh, NC 27658 Tel. (919) 556-0177

12 CAROLINA SUN Summer 1999 What One Member Can Do Power by Here is some food for thought from • Building a home? Think about Mother Nature. recent publications of the Union of recycled and low-embodied-energy Concerned Scientists. Their newsletter, materials. “The land and wood used earthwise, and magazine, Nucleus, con- for new homes are responsible for tain many interesting articles for con- about a quarter of consumers’ impact sumers regarding air pollution, on wildlife and natural ecosystems. consumer impacts, and clean energy. Six percent of consumer-related water pollution comes from manu- • Think about the big picture when facturing the materials for new considering relative importance of homes and disturbing the soil during recycling various items. Heavy, large construction,” according to UCS’s items generally have the greatest spring Nucleus. impact (the Sunday paper vs. a plastic bag). But keep recycling all • Energy tips in their spring earthwise that you can! include; drive an efficient car; use public transportation, walk or bike Powerful Solutions • Don’t be fooled by higher fuel to work; install energy efficient efficiency of diesel cars—diesel is by Hutton. lights and appliances; and choose much more polluting to the air than an electric utility that generates gasoline, even though you use less Mother Nature may provide the with renewables (we eagerly await of it. energy, but only Hutton can the day in NC!). show you how to harness that • Choose and use your auto wisely. Contact Union of Concerned Scien- energy and put it to work. UCS cites the manufacture and use tists at [email protected], web site: of automobiles as causing more air Our dedicated Power Systems www.ucsusa.org or Two Brattle Square, pollution than any other single professionals can help you de- Cambridge, MA 02238; 617-864-9405. N consumer item. sign a solar power system to meet your requirements, specify the necessary equip- ment and then supply you with the integrated products on time, exactly where you need Daylighting Study Shows the Light them.

Researchers in California have con- increased an average of 14% after two From solar modules to com- firmed what many North Carolinians years. Innovative Design has designed plete, integrated systems — already know—daylighting in schools eleven daylit schools and are big propo- Hutton Power Systems can increases students’ performance and nents of the benefits of daylight. Mike providecomplete product so- makes a more pleasant school environ- Nicklas, the firm’s president, says, lutions to meet your primary, ment. “Think of all the money spent annually remote and back-up power to improve kids’ grades on tests by just requirements. The study was done for Pacific Gas one percent—daylighting can make a & Electric and the California Board for significant contribution here.” Their Energy Efficiency and tracked 22,000 schools are carefully designed to elimi- students over two years in California, nate direct beam sunlight with baffles Colorado and Washington. They found and overhangs so the light is even and that “learning rates were 26 percent non-glaring. They also have many en- higher in reading and 20 percent higher ergy saving features including controls in math in classrooms with the most on the electric lighting and carefully natural light,” according to a Washing- placed and sized windows to prevent power systems ton Times article reporting on the study. overheating. (July 4, 1999). 1775 MacLeod Drive For more information contact Lawrenceville, GA 30043 Here in North Carolina, studies of Innovative Design at 919-832-6303. N 800-741-3811 Fax 770-963-7796 end-of-grade tests for students in three [email protected] daylit schools designed by Innovative www.huttoncom.com Design of Raleigh have shown scores

Summer 1999 CAROLINA SUN 13 On the House

by Arnie Katz, Advanced Energy

Question: itself both practical and economical in high relative humidity, so it’s unlikely My sister Louise cut an article out lots of different ways. But using the sun that it will reduce the moisture level in of the newspaper about solar powered to power a marginal and even potentially the attic. dangerous item like a powered attic vent ventilation fans for attics. Do these If there’s an air conditioning unit with fan doesn’t make the fan more appealing. things really work? I could install it a leaky cabinet or leaky ductwork in that myself, since no wiring is required, Powered attic ventilators are pro- attic, there’s a chance that the moisture and the article said it would save moted as doing three things: reducing in the air will condense on the cold spots money by cooling off the attic. summer air conditioning bills, removing and cause moisture damage. Rather Answer: moisture from the attic, and extending than solve moisture problems, the pow- shingle life. Let’s look at each of these. ered attic vent fan may, in fact, cause it. Ask Louise what she’s doing hanging out in the attic. And if she’s not spend- Theoretically, these fans reduce attic Finally, powered attic vent fans are ing time up there, why does she want to temperatures by pulling outside air into promoted as a strategy to extend shingle make the squirrels and bats more com- the attic. Unfortunately, somebody for- life by reducing the attic temperatures. fortable? If I wanted a powered attic got to tell that to the air. In most of the Shingles are heated up by radiant heat vent fan, a solar powered one would be houses we’ve tested, the attic fans were from the sun. a good choice. But in my opinion, pow- drawing some of their air from the It’s possible that ventilating the attic ered attic ventilators are generally not a house, rather than from the outside. can reduce the temperature of the air in good idea, whether they’re powered by In other words, they are cooling the the attic, which could reduce the tem- nuclear electricity, burning water buffalo attic by drawing air-conditioned air out perature of the roof decking, which could dung, landfill-generated methane gas, of your house and into the attic. Air con- reduce the temperature of the back of or directly by the sun. ditioning the attic is not recommended the shingles. I’ve seen no research, how- I happen to think that using photo- by anyone I know as an effective strategy ever, that supports the idea that powered voltaic (solar) cells to create electricity for reducing your bills. Effective strate- attic fans actually increase shingle life. to power our houses and businesses is gies Tell Louise that you’d much rather an excellent technology that is proving include sealing the air leaks between get a solar-powered outdoor lighting the house and the attic, and making sure system or a solar hot water system. But there is enough attic insulation and it is a solar-powered attic fan? It’s like smok- installed properly. ing cigarettes made with vitamin C. ■ RECYCLED Another problem is that a large fan On the House presents information PAPER in the attic that is pulling air out of the on residential energy techniques and house can create a negative pressure in technologies. It is written by Arnie Katz, BECAUSE WHAT YOU PRINT ON the house. This negative pressure can who is a building science specialist with suck the flue gasses out of a water Advanced Energy, formerly Alternative heater or other combustion appliance. Energy Corporation, or AEC. Advanced In one house we tested, we measured Energy is an independent nonprofit substantial levels of carbon monoxide organization established in 1980. (CO) in the daughter’s bedroom in the IS AS IMPORTANT For more information on Advanced basement. The CO was coming from the AS WHAT YOU SAY Energy’s Building Science services, visit water heater next to the bedroom, which the web site at www.advancedenergy.org. was backdrafting. The daughter had Grass Roots Press, Inc. 1 401 /2 W. Peace Street been suffering from flu-like symptoms Raleigh, North Carolina 27603 for some time. The backdrafting was (919) 828-2364 caused by the powered attic vent fan. Go Solar! Offset Printing Vent fans are also promoted to remove ••••••• moisture from the attic. In our part of Take Advantage of WE NOW HAVE 100% the country, the humidity is typically North Carolina’s POST CONSUMER WASTE high in the summer, when we’re advised Income RECYCLED PAPER! to run the fans to “cool” the attic. To the Tax Credit extent that the fan is pulling outside air into the attic, that air will tend to have a

14 CAROLINA SUN Summer 1999         Order Form

Your costs are kept low, your time Name: ______commitments are kept short (no long term leases - unless you want one). Company ______You decide the exact combination of space and support services that you Address: ______need and we’ll tailor a package according to your requirements. City/State/Zip: ______

Telephone: (______) ______Furnished/Unfurnished Offices Building Directory Listing E-Mail: ______Video Conferencing Professional Receptionists New NCSEA T-shirt and hat (see design on next page) Prestigious Address High Tech Phone Systems $15 each includes postage and handling Elegant Conference Rooms T-shirts available in M, L, and XL, light blue, light green, athletic gray, or organic cotton natural. Fax/Copy/Gen . Office Services Hats available in purple, forest green, forest green with navy bill, or khaki with forest green bill. Sunrayce T-shirts available in S, M, L, XL — $8.95 plus $3.00 p&h, total $11.95.

(919) 863-4100 CALL US TODAY ! Qty. T-shirt Hat Color Size Total Amount 2501 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 150 Raleigh, NC 27607 FAX: (919) 863-4101 WWW.yourofficeRaleigh.com

NCSEA Life Membership: $1000 Support the Support vital NCSEA activities and never pay another membership fee.

Environmental Federation Pay in full now 4 quarterly payments of $250 Date ______Total $ ______of North Carolina (we will process first credit card payment within 30 days of receipt) Visa/MC ______Exp. Date ___ Help keep North Carolina healthy and green. Look for us in your workplace campaign. check enclosed Signature ______charge my credit card

EFNC, PO Box 196, Durham, NC 27702 Life Members get a free NCSEA T-shirt. Select color and size above when sending in membership fee. 919-687-4840, 800-200-6311 Mail form with check OR fax with credit card information to: Fax: 919-863-4101 NCSEA is a charter member of EFNC. 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: $ ______Life Membership: $1000 Telephone: (______) ______New Member Renewal E-Mail ______

Summer 1999 CAROLINA SUN 15 Thanks to our sponsors:

Alicia Ravetto, AIA Beaver Brothers BRG Builders Brown and Jones, Architects Carolina Country Builders Design Collaboration Enertia Building Systems Grass Roots Press Hutton Power Systems Innovative Design, Inc. New Renaissance-Works, Inc. NCSEA T-shirt and hat: Rock Castle Solar $15 each includes postage and handling. Self-Help Credit Union See order form on page 15 for colors and sizes. Solar Village Institute Sundance Power Systems, Inc.

NCSEA thanks Mindspring for providing our Webspace at URL: Solar Village http://www.mindspring.com/~ncsea Independent Renewable Power For more information send E-Mail to: Dealers, Installers, Educators [email protected] Solar, Wind & Micro Hydro Systems Serving the Carolinas and Virginia. Solar Web Sites North Carolina Solar Energy Association: www.mindspring.com/~NCSEA North Carolina Solar Center: www.ncsu.ncsc.edu American Solar Energy Society: www.ases.org/solar Duke Solar Energy: www.dukeengineering.com/services/dukesolar.html Solar Energy Industries Association: www.seia.org US Department of Energy: www.doe.gov Solar Village Institute inc. Million Solar Roofs: www.eren.doe.gov/millionroofs Chris and Lynn Carter National Renewable Energy Laboratory: www.nrel.gov PO Box 14 DOE’s Energy Information Agency: www.eia.doe.gov/ Saxapahaw, NC 27340 Worldwatch Institute: www.worldwatch.org 336.376.9530 Union of Concerned Scientists: www.ucsusa.org/energy email [email protected] Living off the grid since 1992! Searchable energy databases: www.internets.com/senergy.htm

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