NC State Solar House

Renewable Energy Education Program

Are you ready to embark on a journey toward a sustainable future? Are you curious about renewable energy and its tremendous potential? We offer Solar House visits for individuals and groups interested in learning more about sustainability, renewable energy, and how they can reduce their energy consumption. Over 4,000 schoolchildren have participated in solar house tours and an energy education-related engineering challenge classroom activity. We look forward to you joining us at the Solar House and learning more about how engineers are involved in renewable energy! With our hands-on, open-ended challenges, you can “Think and Do” like an engineer. Come join us for a fun STEM experience! See program details below.

Solar House History

The NCSU Solar House, built in 1981 by NC State College of Engineering and designed by leading NC State engineers Dr. Herbert Eckerlin, Al Boyers, and Ray DeBruhl, was created to promote and demonstrate renewable energy technologies to the community.

2023-2024 Academic Year Schedule

Fall Events	Event Date	Registration Deadline	Notification of Attendance
Home School Visits	Sep 25, 2023	Sept 1, 2023	Sep 8, 2023
High School Visits	Oct 27, 2023	Aug 28, 2023	Sep 1, 2023
Middle School Visits	Dec 8, 2023	Sept 25, 2023	Oct 9, 2023

Note: We will accept late registrations and will accommodate as space is available.

Spring Events	Event Date	Registration Deadline	Notification of Attendance
Elementary School Visits	Feb 16, 2024	Dec 4, 2023	Dec 18, 2023
Home School Visits: Cancelled	Mar 15, 2024
Middle School Visits	May 3, 2024	Feb 16, 2024	Feb 26, 2024

Note: We will accept late registrations and will accommodate as space is available.

Solar House Location

The Solar House is next to the McKimmon Conference Center at the corner of Western Blvd. and Gorman Street. The Solar House address is 1201 Gorman St, Raleigh, NC 27606.
Click here for driving directions to the McKimmon Conference Center and the NC State Solar House.

Program Costs

No charge this year due to a generous grant from Duke Energy!

Requirements for Participation

Parents, teachers, and chaperones must remain with their children/students throughout the entire event, from the time of arrival until the end of the program.
Groups need to ensure the following chaperone numbers when attending the event:
- High School: 1 chaperone, 12 students
- Middle School: 1 chaperone, 10 students
- Elementary: 1 chaperone, 6 students

Closer to event dates, details such as an event schedule and parking instructions will be emailed to those selected to attend.

A Typical K-12 Classroom Visit Includes:

Creative, hands-on, real-world problem-solving engineering challenge aligned to state standards.

Students are provided guided tours of the solar house, exploring its innovative design and learning about the various sustainable features incorporated into the building. They witness first hand how solar panels, passive heating and cooling systems, and energy-efficient appliances work together to create an environmentally friendly living space.

Sample Classroom Visit Descriptions & Schedules

Solar House activities and challenges are focused on renewable and sustainable energy. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and get involved! Students will explore concepts like solar energy collection, energy storage, and efficient design as they construct models. You’ll have the opportunity to engage in exciting, real-world engineering challenges that bring energy concepts to life. Specific challenges connected to NC State standards coming soon.

High school students with an interest in design and engineering can participate in hands-on challenges related to sustainable architecture and renewable energy systems. These activities encourage creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. For example, students may

create their own mini solar-powered models
design innovative solutions to improve energy efficiency in buildings
design and build a flashlight powered by motion

Middle school students engage in exciting engineering challenges that promote hands-on learning and creativity. These activities educate students about the importance of renewable energy sources and inspire them to consider innovative ways to address our energy needs sustainably. Students may

design and build a miniature solar-powered house or car
explore wind energy by designing and constructing wind turbines, learn about the power of wind and how it can generate electricity

Elementary school students will engage in a fun hands-on, open-ended engineering challenge. Through hands-on projects, students investigate different types of renewable energy. For instance, students may

explore wind energy by designing and constructing wind turbines, learn about the power of wind and how it can generate electricity
explore hydropower by building miniature water wheels to understand how flowing water can be harnessed for energy productionexplore hydropower by building miniature water wheels to understand how flowing water can be harnessed for energy production

Solar House Elementary School Event Schedule

Questions?

If you have questions, please email us at coe-theengineeringplace@ncsu.edu. If you have questions about solar energy for your home, please get in touch with the NC Clean Energy Technology Center at nccleantech@ncsu.edu or call (919) 515-3480.