LYNDON, Vt. -
Lyndon State College is now using solar power.
The college cut the ribbon on a new 5 kilowatt system -- that's about enough power to run a home -- and less than one percent of the college's power needs. But Lyndon says it's a first step and they hope to install more solar panels.
Students helped install the system. Senator Bernie Sanders helped secure a 32-thousand dollar grant that paid for about half of the project.
"I see this array as a sign that we are finally starting to appreciate the biggest resource we have -- the sun. With each module we put on this array I thought of how many lights a college student leaves on in their dorm room and how some of these will be powered by a clean renewable energy source," said Ryan Jean, a Lyndon senior.
"This will continue to not only serve as a reminder as people drive by, as I come down the hill, but more importantly I hope it is the first of many steps that we will be taking here at the college to build on our program," said Lyndon State College President Joe Bertolino.
Lyndon has also focused on energy efficiency -- cutting its energy needs by 10 percent over three years.
