Celebrating 28 years of demonstrating energy possibilities.

Dedicated and opened to the public in 1981, the Solar House at North Carolina State University is one of the most visible and visited solar buildings in the United States. Over the last two decades, more than 250,000 people from around the world have toured the facility.  

First and foremost, the Solar House is a resource to help demonstrate solar energy technologies. Since 1981, the Solar House has served as its educational and demonstration showcase for solar and energy-efficient technologies.  Specialists and graduate students are available to answer visitors’ questions and help them get the information they need.   Beyond the educational value of the Solar House, the building, together with an adjacent research annex, is a living laboratory for solar research. 

Numerous graduate student theses and dissertations have focused on the House. By monitoring, metering and compiling data, we have determined how well the Solar House works, under what weather conditions, and what it costs to operate. The total heating bill per winter for the Solar House averages $70.  In addition to viewing the Solar House through our web site, we hope you have the opportunity to visit us in person. 

We appreciate your interest and support of solar energy!

Steve Kalland, 
Executive Director 

Carole Coble, 
Solar House Manager 

<<Click Here for a map to the Solar Center (Red Flag) and the Solar House (Green Flag)>>