Two Largest Private Solar PV Systems in NC

In November/December 2007, SEM finished engineering and installing two large-scale solar PV systems for Carolina Solar Energy, a Triangle-based company led by solar developer Richard Harkrader. The first system, a 75-kW ground-mounted array, is installed on a rehabilitated Brownfield site near Carter-Finley Stadium on the campus of NC State. The second project, a 104-kW system, was installed at the NC Zoo in Asheboro. Combined, the two projects equal about 180 kW of new solar power, serving as a milestone for both SEM and our state, and offsetting more than 484,430 pounds of CO2 annually – the equivalent of planting more than 37,000 trees! (Source for offset figures: NC GreenPower.)

Delta Products. 30-kW Solar PV System in RTP

SEM recently wrapped up design and installation of a 30-kW solar PV system at Delta Products in Research Triangle Park. The system was a milestone for SEM, and for a short time, the array was the largest roof-mounted, corporate solar PV system in the state. As a result, SEM’s press release announcing the completion of the project generated more than 30 news hits online, and was even picked up by Forbes! The system has since been surpassed by SEM’s other recent installations – a 33-kW system at Decision Support near Charlotte, a 75-kW system at NC State and a 104-kW system the NC Zoo.

Glenaire Retirement Community

The Glenaire Retirement Community, with over 400 residents, decided that they wanted to reduce their energy usage and address Global Warming. SEM installed a 6 collector pre-heating solar hot water system for their cafeteria which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner to the residents. This new solar thermal system provides 20% of the cafeteria’s hot water needs, protects Glenaire from rising natural gas fuel costs, and takes an important first step to reduce the community’s carbon footprint.

Reedy Fork Solar PV

Gypsy Divers

Gypsy Divers (Raleigh, NC) Gypsy Divers Aquatic and Scuba Center saw their hot water heating energy costs spin out of control, paying almost $1,000/month to heat their indoor pool. SEM worked to install a 40 collector solar thermal pool system for the Center which provides almost all of their pool hot water needs. With the tax credits, they were able to reduce the cost of their system by approximately 30% and they will recoup their investment in 2-3 years.

Piedmont Biofuels

SEM installed a 12 collector solar thermal system for Piedmont Biofuels’ new one million gallon per year production facility. This system was designed and built to expand to a 36 collector system in the second year of operations. The solar thermal (hot water) system has the capability to pre-heat for an industrial water tank or the biodiesel reaction tank, and to heat a 12,000 gallon biodiesel storage tank in the winter. Piedmont Biofuels estimates its payback will be less than 4 years.