2 November 2012

First Solar collaborates with Hagerstown Community College on alternative energy technology program

First Solar Inc of Tempe, AZ, USA, which manufactures thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules based on cadmium telluride (CdTe), and Hagerstown Community College (HCC) have begun a collaborative initiative for faculty and students in HCC's alternative energy technology program to benefit from the construction and operation of the 20-megawatt Maryland Solar facility, a First Solar project under construction in Washington County. Maryland Solar, which is due to begin commercial operation in 2013, has agreed to provide HCC and its students with site visits, guest lectures, internships and a digital "dashboard" at HCC's STEM Building so visitors can get a first-hand view of operational data from the solar farm.

Maryland Solar has also agreed to provide HCC with solar panels, enabling the college to install and maintain a small, ground-mounted solar power plant as well as a roof-mounted PV system on its STEM building. These panels will further enhance the educational opportunities available to HCC's students and help offset electricity usage on the campus.

"First Solar is committed to supporting the communities near its solar projects and to providing green jobs and educational opportunities for neighboring residents and businesses," said Roy Skinner, director of permitting for First Solar. "We are excited about this collaboration, which will provide first-hand utility-scale solar knowledge and experience for HCC's faculty and students."

Tags: First Solar CdTe

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