Hagerstown Community College(HCC) and First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR), a leading provider of photovoltaic (PV) solar system solutions, has announced the start of collaborative initiatives 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 currently under construction in Washington County.
Maryland Solar 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 direct 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 solar panels will further enhance the educational opportunities available to HCC's students and help offset electricity usage on the HCC campus.
"With First Solar being one of the largest providers of PV solar panels in the world, we are most appreciative of their generosity in making these very valuable donations to our rapidly growing alternative energy program," said Guy Altieri, HCC president. "To have a corporation as prestigious as First Solar feel that the quality of HCC's alternative energy curriculum is deserving of their contributions of hundreds of state-of-the art solar panels, staff expertise, and opportunities for our associate degree students to receive paid internships, is a wonderful testimonial that our faculty and staff have created a truly world-class program."
"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."
The 20-megawatt Maryland Solar facility is expected to begin commercial operation in 2013.
HCC offers an associate degree program in alternative energy technology, and certificates in solar/wind energy installation/service and geothermal energy installation/service. Students get hands-on training using advanced technologies offered in the alternative energy lab, housed in HCC's new 65,000 sq. ft. STEM Building.