Solar Development and Challenges for Communities in North Carolina

Thursday, November 14, 3 – 4:30 p.m.

Join us for a panel featuring local solar developers and community representatives to discuss solar in North Carolina and beyond!

Location: Holsti-Anderson Family Assembly Room at the Rubenstein Library, 411 Chapel Dr, Durham, NC 27705

Curious about the hurdles facing solar energy in North Carolina? This event will dive into the complexities of solar development, including policy, community engagement, and technical challenges. Local experts will share their experiences in navigating these challenges, offering valuable insights into the future of solar energy in the region. Light refreshments will be provided.

Featured Speakers:

Matt Abele is the executive director of NC Sustainable Energy Association where he helps to drive the internal and external strategies necessary to implement successful policy solutions designed to transform North Carolina’s energy market. He serves as the host and producer of the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast – a production that has driven brand recognition and attention to the organization from across the country. Prior to joining NCSEA, he worked with numerous national and regional clean energy non-profit organizations, helping to implement communications, marketing, and policy strategies.

 

Jeff Hughes is the utilities commissioner for the North Carolina Utilities Commission. He graduated from Duke with a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering, going on to get his master of science in environmental engineering from UNC-Chapel Hill, studying water Resources economics and finance. He has worked as the public works director for Chatham County, an environmental finance specialist at RTI International, and as faculty at the UNC School of Government for 12 years. He is part of the National Association of Regulatory Commissioners, and is passionate about sustainability research, renewable energy finance, and community outreach.

 

Reginald Bynum Jr is the director of community outreach for the Center for Energy Education, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing renewable energy education and economic growth in rural areas. Originally from Halifax, NC, Reginald brings over 20 years of corporate experience to his role, where he leads educational workshops across the U.S., empowering communities with knowledge about utility-scale solar projects, workforce development, and economic benefits. A Winston-Salem State University graduate, he collaborates with public officials, local leaders, and solar companies to ensure projects align with community needs and support local job creation. Reginald is passionate about providing underserved communities with pathways to economic stability through renewable energy and inspiring the next generation through STEM programs focused on clean energy career opportunities.

 

Carson Harkrader is the CEO at Carolina Solar Energy, where she leads the strategic vision and operations for one of North Carolina’s pioneering utility-scale solar developers, with 950 MWdc of solar capacity under construction and in operation across the Southeast She is also the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Carolinas Clean Energy Business Association, championing clean energy policy and advocacy throughout the region, and a member of the Board of Directors of Alaska Renewables, where she contributes to expanding renewable energy solutions in remote markets. Prior to her current role, Carson spent 8 years as a commercial leader at GE Energy, driving growth and innovation in the clean energy sector.

 

Panel Moderator: Nico Johnson is the founder of SunCast Media, where he helps entrepreneurs and leaders thrive in the clean energy sector. As host of the SunCast Podcast, Nico interviews top thought leaders driving the renewable energy transition, providing inspiration to a global audience in over 100 countries. With nearly two decades in solar project development, sales, and marketing—including launching Trina Solar’s expansion in Latin America—Nico is dedicated to helping companies scale in the Clean Economy. A former Peace Corps volunteer, he believes that the voice is a powerful tool in the fight against climate change and works to help others find and amplify theirs.

Solar panels. Text: "Solar Development and Challenges for Communities in North Carolina. Thursday, November 14, 2024, 3PM to 4:30PM. Open to all. Part of Energy Week at Duke."