The North Carolina Solar Center conducts both technical and policy research related to renewable energy.

Technical research and development work encompasses a wide range of areas including industrial solar thermal systems, residential passive solar options, building-integrated photovoltaic/thermal systems, alternative fuels and more.

Public policy guidelines, rules and laws provide the tools to advance the use of renewable energy. The Solar Center provides research and analysis on topics such as the potential impact of electricity restructuring on renewable energy, incentives for renewable energy, interconnection of PV systems to the utility grid, and “green power” programs that allow businesses and consumers to choose electricity generated from renewable resources.