Blog
A Guide to Using Smart Thermostats
In the past few years, smart thermostats have become popular among environmentally-conscious homeowners. With them, homeowners become more energy efficient – making the most out of their HVAC unit while saving energy and money without compromising the comfort level of their home.
Read MoreEpisode 52: Powering More Than Sunscreen
On Thursday, NCSEA released the 52nd episode of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, “Zinc Powering More Than Just Your Sunscreen,” where host Matt Abele investigated the development of zinc storage and its industrial presence in North Carolina. In his interview with Executive Director Andrew Green and Manager of the Zinc Battery Initiative, Morgan Frederick, from the International Zinc Association, Matt discussed the benefits of zinc storage and the abundance of zinc assets in North…
Read MoreSCE Bonus Episode: HOAs & Rooftop Solar
On July 9, the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA) released a surprise bonus episode of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, “Live and Back in Action – HOAs, Rooftop Solar.” For this special live recording, Host Matt Abele went on location to the Amberly Master Community’s 2021 Earth Day Event in Cary, NC where he spoke with NCSEA’s member solar installation…
Read MoreNorth Carolina clean energy and building performance nonprofits NCSEA and NCBPA sign merger agreement
North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA) announced today the merger of the North Carolina Building Performance Association (NCBPA) with NCSEA—bringing together two of the leading voices in North Carolina’s clean energy transition. Conversations about the consolidation of the two nonprofit organizations has been ongoing for several months, and as of July 1, 2021 the NCBPA…
Read MoreEpisode 51: Energy Storage
Last Friday, episode 51 of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast, “David Roberts on the Future of Energy Storage,” was released. Host Matt Abele interviews former Vox journalist David Roberts who, in December 2020, launched his own energy and politics newsletter called Volts. Roberts explains that Volts “features analysis of the latest research, technologies, and policy debates involved in the quest to leave behind fossil fuels, along…
Read MoreSeeing the Light: The Fight Against HOA Solar Restrictions
Homeowner associations (HOAs) have a long history of restricting residents from installing solar panels because of how they look from the public areas. In the United States, where more than half of the nation’s neighborhoods are governed by HOA Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs), these contracts pose one of the most prevalent obstacles faced by prospective solar homeowners. NCSEA…
Read MoreHow N.C. Voters Feel About the American Jobs Plan
The American Jobs Plan is an investment-centric plan introduced by the Biden administration on March 31, 2021. The main goals of this plan are to invest in American infrastructure and communities in order to reimagine the economy. A large focus of the plan is on clean energy infrastructure, including an investment in the transition to…
Read MoreEquitable Transportation: Why It Matters
Originally published in June 2021 – Clean Energy Storyteller. Coauthored by Janelle Martin and Chris Maxwell. Communities of color are generally left out of the conversation when it comes to e-mobility. Most people think of Elon Musk/Tesla or see dollar signs when they hear the term electric vehicle (EV). But how do black, brown, and…
Read MoreRide Along with Chris Maxwell
Originally published in June 2021 – Clean Energy Storyteller. Coauthored by Janelle Martin and Chris Maxwell. With last month’s national gas shortage, the conversation regarding the importance of electric vehicles (EVs) is greater than ever before. According to Cox Automotive, the interest for EVs skyrocketed where 50% of consumers indicated they were suddenly more interested…
Read MoreNCSEA Statement on Stakeholder Energy Legislation
Today, North Carolina House leadership shared the first public bill draft of comprehensive energy reform legislation following months of stakeholder negotiations. NCSEA is appreciative of its inclusion in the stakeholder process and grateful to House leaders for facilitating robust discussion around critical energy issues. While there are important provisions in the bill that provide greater…
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