Moorefield, W.Va. – Eastern West Virginia Community & Technical College was granted $157,614, in May of 2023, from the West Virginia State Advance Grant. This has allowed them to expand their capabilities of solar-powered technology on campus for the Solar Installation Technology training. This has been done with purchases of EnGoPlanet solar-powered benches, a new Eastern-branded flag, and wall-mounted display monitors. “Eastern is committed to providing relevant, hands-on education that prepares our students for the workforce,” said Lauren Arbaugh, Workforce Education program coordinator, “Our renewable energy programs, including our solar and wind initiatives, are shining examples of that mission, equipping our graduates with in-demand skills for a growing industry.”
Two EnGoPlanet solar benches have been placed outside the main entrance on campus for student and community use. These benches allow individuals to connect to the internet, charge their phone wirelessly and by USB, and connect to Bluetooth. The flagpole, lit at night by the lights connected to the new solar array, overlooks Corridor H from behind the main campus building. Students who registered for the Spring 2024 Solar Installation Technician training session got to test the solar panels and ensure they worked correctly before installation. Four large monitors have been installed in room 104b at Eastern’s main campus. These monitors will be used for student learning across programs. “Here at Eastern, we are trying to expose students to all the latest in solar technology – from a fully equipped lab where they will work with products used every day in the field, to a number of functioning arrays on campus where they can see and monitor how systems work once they are installed,” said Jay Warmke, Solar Installation Technician instructor & owner of Blue Rock Station.
Enrollment for the Solar Installation Technician program is currently open. A free training seminar will be held on August 21 from 6-7 p.m. for those wanting to learn more. Then six weeks of online education begins on September 3 with two-day in-person training on October 10 and 11 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To register, email WorkforceEd@easternwv.edu or call 304-434-8000 ext. 9413.