subject: Asu May Bolster Arizona Solar Industry With Bolstered Solar Education Program [print this page] If you think about which places have the most year-round sunlight, surely Arizona is one of the first states to pop into your head. The state is well known for its sky high summer temperatures and desert landscapes. Yet, while there are many Arizona solar companies, a large green market, and an abundance of sunlight, Arizona it is not one of the top green energy using states.
Currently, more Arizona government authorities, educators, and local solar experts are attempting to bolster plans to make the state one of the nation's leaders in sustainable technology. By investing in the solar and sustainable energy industries they believe they can help the state achieve more economic prosperity in the renewable energy industry. To that end, Arizona State University is establishing a Solar Power Laboratory.
To help staff their new laboratory and bolster their solar education program, the university has brought in a few new faculty members. The new staff members are individuals known globally for their contributions in the photovoltaic field. Phoenix solar officials hope that this investment in solar education will give the university one of the best programs in the country.
"The Solar Power Laboratory will further build up the university's already formidable solar energy research and development collaborations with the energy industry to accelerate expansion of the state's economy," said ASU president, Michael Crow. The university's main focus is to create efficient solar technology that is much more economically feasible for people at all economic levels to obtain.
Arizona may not be one of the top few states with the largest renewable energy usage, but it is not all that far behind. Right now, Arizona ranks number 10 when it comes to green energy usage. It may not be in the top 5, but the state has made many reputable contributions to the solar industry over the years. Jonathan Fink, director of the Global Institute of Sustainability, stated that "for four decades, ASU has been a leader in research related to virtually all aspects of solar energy." A couple of these contributions include solar design enhancements and improvements in photovoltaic testing. And now, we may see Arizona become the nation's hub when it comes to solar technology.
