Evolution to set up solar demo site at Texas State University

April 16, 2010

Texas Southern University is working with Evolution Solar Corp to develop a site on its Houston campus for a thin-film solar photovoltaic power demonstration facility.

Evolution Solar, based in Tempe, Arizona, is an authorized dealer for Chinese solar company AmpleSun Solar, and will use its systems for the TSU project.

The University said its Engineering Technology Department will develop the project with Evolution Solar, which is looking to exhibit a functioning system as a stepping stone to securing new project orders.

The project is slated to be part of a new TSU Green Technology Center.

Dr David Olowokere, department chair for Engineering Technology, said: “The purpose for this partnership it to develop the TSU Center for Solar Technology. Once the center is complete, these communities can come to Texas Southern to learn and apply the latest state-of-the-art technologies in solar energy production and application.”

Evolution Solar said yesterday that the two organizations have completed decisions on the scope of their demonstration project, and the construction materials to be used.

The company has now ordered and funded payment for the entire project’s required construction materials from AmpleSun, which started up in Hangzhou City, China, in 2008.

Progress

“We are thrilled with the progress being made on this significant project,” said Robert Hines, President of Evolution Solar. “We couldn’t be happier with the choice of Texas Southern University.”

The project was highlighted as the “10 Million Solar Roofs and 10 Million Gallons of Solar Hot Water Act” Bill was introduced to Congress earlier this year by Senator Bernie Sanders.

The Bill is seeking a rebates system to cover up to 50% of the cost of new solar systems (see this BrighterEnergy.org story).

Mr Hines said the company supported the Bill, which he said would create “green” jobs as well as to help the nation’s future.

He said solar installations would become “significantly attractive” with the tax breaks proposed in the bill, particularly with falling photovoltaic cell prices.