Students and contractors alike set out today (Aug. 26) to begin construction on Texas Southern University’s new solar demonstration project. The installation, overseen by Evolution Solar, a Tempe, Ariz, company, will be made up of eight thin-film solar panels, engineered by AmpleSun, a Chinese manufacturer.

The project is part of the Texas Southern University Green Technology Center, and Evolution Solar’s president Robert Hines is looking forward to showing off the new thin-film panels.

"This installation is not only a great opportunity for Evolution Solar to showcase AmpleSun's leading-edge thin-film panels, but a chance to introduce generations of students to solar technology, as well," said Hines in a company press release.

Dr. David Olowokere, Chair/Professor of the TSU Department of Engineering Technologies at TSU was the faculty representative for the project, and helped bring the university and Evolution together.

"We look forward to our partnership with Evolution Solar,” said Dr. Olowokere in a recent press release. “This is one of the first steps in the development of our Green Technology Center."

This plan has been in the works for some time, and it wasn’t until Aug. 5 that Hines announced that all the materials for the project had been ordered. Three weeks after his announcement, Students and workers from Armstead Development Group Construction, LLC began physically putting the pieces together, starting with Armstead pouring concrete posts for the new solar array. Once the first phase is complete, students will begin assembling and installing the solar panels and rack-mount system, under the supervision of Armstead employees.

"We're tremendously excited to include students in the installation process,” said Hines. “And it's our hope that this project will help jumpstart a solar initiative at TSU."