On Sept. 22, 2019, EMU students and community volunteers participated in the installation of solar arrays on the University Commons and Roselawn. The installation was the culmination of the Student Solar Panel Project (SSPP)—a student-led initiative to increase EMU’s solar arrays.

The installation had been in the planning stages for a long time, but the actual project began on Sept. 19.

Student volunteers began removing ballast stones from the University Commons’ and Roselawn’s roofs to clear space for the solar panels. This work was “less glamorous than setting [the solar panels] up,” sophomore Reuben Peachey-Stoner said.

Installation began on Sept. 22. Students and other volunteers began installation at 8 a.m.

Secure Futures, a solar panel installation company based out of Staunton, Virginia, helped direct the work. Volunteers worked in shifts throughout the day, ending two hours ahead of schedule.

“We had more volunteers than we had work to do,” said junior SSPP member Andy King. Some volunteers worked on the ground assembling racks for the panels. Others on the roof carried panels from the lift to their designated position.

Saturday’s volunteers cultivated an atmosphere of excitement and passion. Junior Mim Beck, SSPP member, noted the communal ambiance. “It was definitely a lot more fun on Saturday …more of a community event,” Beck said.

With the extra help, volunteers found time to converse and get to know each other better. A few volunteers even found time to dance.

The project began with conversations between EMU students and faculty. Eventually, students brought the idea to EMU administration. After more planning and organization, administration agreed to help move the project along.

Greg Sachs, faculty liaison between students, faculty, and contractors, noted the passion of each of the students behind the project. “I think it is significant [that] we were able to move forward with this in EMU’s current financial climate.”

Upon completion, King felt bittersweet to see months of hard work come to an end. “There’s a weird feeling of it being over and done with,” he said.

Though the planning and installation is now complete, those involved hope that the project lives on through others.

Beck did not question the solar panels’ effectiveness in the future. “It’s going to be a lasting impact,” Beck said.

King and Beck noted the significant student interest, especially among freshmen.

The solar panels will serve their designated purpose, but perhaps they will also stand as a symbol of inspiration to current and future students.

It took several weeks following their installation before the solar panels were fully functioning. Various contractors came in the next weeks to finish off the more specialized work, and the solar panels are now fully functioning.

The city of Harrisonburg has inspected the array to make sure it is ready to catch and convert some rays.

All efforts were made possible by the SSPP. Club members continue to be optimistic about the positive impact that these solar panels will bring the school.