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Local Students Learn Valuable Skills on Solar Panels

by KREX News Room
by John Dias

Story Created: Mar 22, 2012 at 11:23 AM MDT

Story Updated: Mar 22, 2012 at 12:44 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- Colorado was ranked fifth in the country for solar energy use in 2011 and School District 51 plans to continue the trend. With help from High Noon Solar, the school district is installing solar panels on another building, but this time the process is a little different.

The construction students at the Career Center are helping the professionals install the energy efficient panels on the roof of the center, so as the school saves money on energy costs, they are also teaching students valuable skills at the same time.

"It's a win-win for our school," said Mike Wells, instructor at the Career Center. “We believe that green technology is kind of a thing of the future, and exposure to our kids is a great thing to put on their resume."

"The system will actually be cash flow positive from for day one and the kids get an opportunity to see how it's actually installed," said Heidi Ihrke, owner of High Noon Solar.

Students like Sam Gaurmer, who wants to be a construction worker when he graduates, will benefit greatly from helping the professionals as they install the panels.

“I’ve always liked the idea of solar panels, but this is going to help me a lot in the future for when I want to be able to install them on my roof,” said Gaurmer.

Xcel Energy recently placed Mesa County School District 51 on its top 10 list for their energy efforts.

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