PITTSBORO — Central Carolina Community College shares the power and potential of solar energy during its Real Jobs. Real Progress. Real Solar. event March 23 at the college’s Chatham County Campus.

Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the workshops and activities geared to help people learn more about solar power technology — the conversion of sunlight into electrical power — and what it can mean to them. All activities and workshops are free and attendees may come for any or all of them.

“The use of solar power is growing rapidly in North Carolina and the nation,” said Central Carolina Community College President Bud Marchant. “CCCC is partnering with major players in the field to provide training and to educate the public about the tremendous potential of this power source and how it can impact their lives.”  

CCCC hosts this informational event, which is sponsored by the N.C. Solar Center at North Carolina State University and funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Instructor Training Network.

The college has earned the nickname “Green Central” for its leadership in preparing the workforce for the growing green economy. In 2010, it also opened three new energy-efficient, LEED-certified buildings at its Chatham Campus and Siler City Center.

The N.C. Solar Center is a regional and national leader in training renewable energy and energy efficiency professionals. The USDOE’s Solar Instructor Training Network supports the professional development of instructors who train the nation’s solar workforce on photovoltaic (PV) and solar heating and cooling (SHC) installations.

During the Real Solar event, Central Carolina C.C. will announce its partnership with FLS Energy for the installation of solar panel arrays on the roofs of Buildings 1 and 2 at the Chatham Campus.

FLS Energy will design, install, own and maintain the rooftop system consisting of 550 Suniva solar collectors. The environmentally clean project will generate 132 kW of electricity. FLS intends to sell the power to Progress Energy’s grid and fund the project from the available tax credits and Renewable Energy Credits for the system. The college will benefit by receiving an annual lease payment for the use of the roof space. The college also has the option to purchase the system after seven years.

Activities for the Real Solar event are:

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

How to Land Your Green Energy Dream Job

Learn to leverage your knowledge, education, skills and interests. Find out what training, certifications and organizations can boost your chances to land your dream job in the renewable energy field.

The Renewable Energy Workforce, Transportation, and Energy Careers

What Does the Future Hold For You?: High-school students will find activities and educational pathways to pursue a career in the clean energy industry, see a solar electric system and tour CCCC’s facilities.

1 p.m.—2 p.m.

Federal and State Solar Programs for Educators

An overview of what the U.S. Department of Energy, N.C. Solar Center and Central Carolina Community College are doing to promote solar training.

2 p.m.-2:15 p.m.

Announcement of the 135 kW Solar Electric (Photovoltaic) System to be installed at CCCC by FLS Energy.

2:15-3 p.m.

Making Solar Work for Schools, Industry and Government Agencies

How investor-owned lease agreements work, and why they work.

3 p.m.-4 p.m.

Solar Demonstration

Get up-close and personal with a solar electric system. Solar instructors will be on hand to answer questions.

4 p.m.-5 p.m.

Economics of Solar 101

Learn to make the economics of solar work in your home or business.

The Chatham Campus is located at 764 West St., Pittsboro. For more information about the event, go to http://tinyurl.com/Mar23-CCCC, or contact Lyra_Rakusin@ncsu.edu or Laura Lauffer at llauf177@cccc.edu.