New solar arrays celebrated, attract national attention

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as well as Austin Energy and representatives from ACC will be attending the ceremony celebrating the completion of two solar panels, one on Riverside campus and one on Rio Grande. The ceremony is taking place Mar. 4 on the Riverside campus at 10 a.m.

The solar panels were funded by the DOE, Austin Energy, ACC, and Grid Point as part of the DOE's Solar America City award, whose purpose includes accelerating solar adoption.

"Students with the Renewable Energy Students Association are playing a big role in planning for the event… We're expecting about 20-35 renewable energy students. They will be helping to demonstrate the power of the sun with a simulated rooftop installation and debuting the city's brand new "Egos," solar powered scooters." Brette Lea, Executive Director of Public Information and College Marketing said.

According to a statement from the College Marketing Department, the students will also demonstrate how to install a solar panel and the DOE is expected to give information on future plans. The event is free and open to the public.