The Center for Advanced Technical Studies, Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative and Santee Cooper dedicated a solar array at the Center's Chapin campus.
Comprised of two, 2-kilowatt solar arrays, one of which follows the sun, the installation is producing electricity from the sun's rays, providing students a firsthand look at the opportunities and challenges of solar power. Students, educators and utility representatives gathered around the pole-mounted solar arrays to officially commemorate the partnership that made the installation a reality.
"The Solar Project Partnership has provided our Clean Energy Technology students the opportunity to be engaged in cutting-edge, sustainable energy technology," said Dr. Stephen Hefner of District Five of Lexington & Richland Counties. "It will allow them to explore careers available in the various energy-engineering fields. Our students will have the opportunity to graduate college and career ready, and will have a passion for next generation energy."
"I thank the Solar Demonstration Project Partners for making this opportunity available to the students within our school district," said School Board Chair Robert Gantt of District 5 of Lexington & Richland Counties. "The Center for Advanced Technical Studies is always on the leading edge of technology and serves as a great model school. This type of project will enhance its mission and vision."
"Programs like this challenge tomorrow's leaders to think critically about renewable energy sources and how they might benefit future generations," said Stephen Spivey, Santee Cooper's manager of renewable energy. "The investment made here at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies is an investment in both the future generation and future of energy for our state."
"The Clean Energy Technology program provides students with hands-on experience with clean energy resources," said Matt Porth of Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative. "This project is invaluable, as it gives them real-world application in the classroom."
"PITSCO is delighted to have the opportunity to be a partner in this project and contribute to the development of the future workforce in advanced energy and sustainability," said Dr. Harvey Dean, CEO of PITSCO Education.
Santee Cooper has partnered with electric cooperatives and municipalities that have the state-owned utility as its power source to install 28 other solar installations at public schools statewide. The initiative is designed to encourage interest in the environment and demonstrate the feasibility and limitations of renewable power generation. This teaching and research opportunity for students uses a renewable energy curriculum designed especially for the program that meets state science standards.
About Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative
Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative Inc. (MCEC) is a not-for-profit electric distribution utility headquartered in Lexington, S.C.
They are owned by approximately 47,000 member-owners who resident in Lexington, Richland, Newberry, Saluda and Aiken counties. MCED is the fifth largest of the 20 electric cooperatives in South Carolina. Together, these cooperatives serve more than 1.4 million members in over 75 percent of the state. To learn more, visit www.mcecoop.com
About Santee Cooper
Santee Cooper, the state's largest power provider, began generating and distributing Green Power in 2001, and has steadily increased renewable generation in South Carolina since then, using South Carolina resources. Headquartered in Moncks Corner, Santee Cooper is South Carolina's largest Green Power generator and the ultimate source of electricity for 2 million people statewide. To learn more, visit www.santeecooper.com.
For more information contact:
Derek Phillips
Public Information Specialist II
District 5 of Lexington & Richland Counties
803-476-8178
dsphilli@lexrich5.org
Nicole Aiello
Santee Cooper Director of Public Relations
843-761-7030
naaiello@santeecooper.com
Matt Porth
Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative
803-749-6555
Matt_P@mcecoop.com
Santee Cooper is South Carolina's largest power provider, the largest Green Power generator and the ultimate source of electricity for 2 million people across the state. Through its low-cost, reliable and environmentally responsible electricity and water services, and through innovative partnerships and initiatives that attract and retain industry and jobs, Santee Cooper powers South Carolina. To learn more, visit www.santeecooper.com
For more information
One Riverwood Dr
Moncks Corner South Carolina
United States 29461-6101
www.santeecooper.com
