The system was officially unveiled at a ribbon-cutting event held on Tuesday. The 75.6 kilowatt (kW) system is comprised of 432 ground-mounted solar panels, and was powered up on Monday, Oct. 29. The power it generates is sold to Progress Energy.

"I believe consumer demand for green power will quickly outpace supply in our state," said Harkrader, who addressed the crowd at yesterday's ribbon-cutting event, which was attended by about 75 people. "One of our goals with this project and our other solar projects across the state, is to show that solar power isn't just for people in California and Nevada - it is feasible on a large scale right now, right here in North Carolina."

Until now, the Tarheel State's primary investors in solar power have been homeowners, environmentalists, and a smattering of green-niche companies and large corporations.

The NC Solar Center at NC State University was involved in this project since early 2005 when it submitted a $100,000 US Department of Energy proposal for solar projects. The grant became seed money for the project with Carolina Solar Energy.

"What a long strange trip it's been," says Steve Kalland, Director of the NC Solar Center and NC GreenPower board member. "We learned a lot about how to do projects that are dependent on tax credits and done on government property. What we know now about project financing for this project will definitely help other similar projects on government property around state."

The barriers that the industry once faced are now being overcome, thanks to available federal and state tax incentives, as well as demand created by NC GreenPower, a non-profit program that enables electric customers to support cleaner energy options across the state through voluntary contributions on their electric bill. Today, the program supports a number of green power projects, including more than 100 solar energy sites statewide.

"It's an exciting time to be in the renewable energy business," said Robert Koger, president of NC GreenPower. "And we are very pleased to be a part of the success story of green power in North Carolina."

The site dedicated on Tuesday is located on land provided by N.C. State University and will serve as both an educational project for students and a visible reminder of the changing landscape of energy. The dedication also is part of N.C. State's "Year of Energy," a special year-long focus on energy-related issues and practices.

"In setting energy as our priority and focus, N.C. State is demonstrating a commitment to our land grant mission of meeting the needs of the citizens of North Carolina," said Chancellor James Oblinger.

Meeting the needs of North Carolina residents is also a priority for Progress Energy, which purchases the electricity generated by the solar array.

"We are focused on a balanced approach that includes investments in new energy-efficiency programs, alternative and renewable energy technologies and state-of-the-art power plants," said Progress Energy Carolinas president and chief executive officer Lloyd Yates. "This solar array is part of the solution."

While all in attendance celebrated the significance of the N.C. State solar array, Carolina Solar Energy's founder stressed that more work remains to be done.

"Photovoltaic solar technology has come a long way in the past few decades," Harkrader said. "There's no doubt solar power is becoming a viable investment in North Carolina, and will improve the larger projects we build."

The N.C. State solar array is the first in a series of projects that Carolina Solar Energy plans to build. Future plans include several 100 kW systems hosted by businesses, schools, shopping centers and government facilities across the state.

NCSU Solar Project, by the numbers:

Equipment: 432 SolarWorld, 175 Watt solar panels, Satcon 75KW three phase inverter

Project Cost: $605,000

Annual Emissions Avoided: Offsets the burning of approximately 80,000 pounds of coal, which would produce 200,000 pounds of carbon dioxide (source NC GreenPower emission calculator)

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