Solar panels and saving money are on MSU’s horizon.
On July 1, 2003, the Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education will have about 70 solar panels placed on its roof to save $1,300 in MSU’s energy cost while helping the environment.
The $100,000 grant for the solar panels was issued by the Department of Consumer and Industry Services to provide campus with an alternative energy source. The panels are part of the university’s attempt to save money.
“The panels are for education, with 100,000 visitors, including many children, to the Pavilion each year, people will get to see alternative energy sources in use,” MSU’s Physical Plant engineer Lynda Boomer said. “There are many different groups that go through the Pavilion.”
Alternative energy refers to any kind of source that does not require the burning of fossil fuel, or the splitting of atoms. Solar, wind and water are just a few of the alternative sources that environmentalists are looking to for a cleaner planet.
While the panels make for a environmental friendly campus, they also can increase awareness for alternative energy sources.
“Since the panels are for education. Younger kids will see this and keep it in focus,” Boomer said.
The new 2-foot-by-4-foot panels are exciting environmentalists.
“ECO is extremely pleased that the university is looking at alternative energy sources,” Amy Gregory, co-coordinator of ECO, said.
ECO, a student environmental organization, was founded in the summer of 1999 to promote national and local environmental issues. The organization held a February conference about global climate and the push for alternative resources.
Since last fall campus dwellers have been pushed to turn off the appliances. Dormitory managers met with Physical Plant officials to discuss methods of cutting down waste.
“We will continue with the “why waste” stickers around campus,” Physical Plant assistant vice-president Ron Flinn said.
“Solar power is renewable because sunshine is frequently available,” Flinn said. “It’s just a cleaner form of energy because you’re not burning fuel with electricity.”
But perhaps most importantly, with the grant in mind, conserving energy will save the university money and fresh air.
“The panels are more cost efficient,” Flinn said. “Not to mention better for the environment.”
