by Pam Adams
Illinois Central College will be home to a unique new solar energy program.
The program will give the college and low- to moderate-income residents access to low-cost solar energy, Rita Ali, vice president of diversity, told board members.
ICC and two other Illinois community colleges were chosen by the Illinois Green Economy Network to participate in the U.S. Department of Energy’s SunShot Initiative Solar in Your Community Challenge.
The college plans to mount a solar array, or group of solar panels, in July on an 18-acre site on the East Peoria campus. To be eligible for solar credits, residents must meet income guidelines, rent their homes and live within the ICC district, which covers all or parts of 10 counties. IGEN will work with ICC over the next 18 months to develop the project.
ICC’s participation in the community challenge should also make it easier for ICC to participate in a solar job-training program next year, said Ali, who also oversees international and adult education programs.
Source: JournalStar
