The Solar Energy Center's goal is to build and strengthen the infrastructure necessary for the planning, design, deployment, and operation of solar energy technologies ranging from heating water, daylighting, heating and cooling buildings, and generating electricity. SEC work includes: development of new designs and training future designers and planners in sustainable, energy-efficient buildings; development and enhancement of a regional solar radiation database along with development of tools to aid in appropriate design and operation of solar systems; testing of photovoltaic technologies from cells to systems; development and distribution of information and studying the legal, economic, and technical problems accompanying solar energy development in this region.

The students of the Solar Energy Center work to provide information about renewable energy, sustainable living and their widespread applications in architecture and technology. It serves as a research, education and information center on solar and renewable energies, and is open to the community and all students.