Logan College partners to construct solar energy plant

CARTERVILLE, Ill. (AP) - Officials of John A. Logan College in southern Illinois say the school will save thousands of dollars in energy costs with the installation of a solar plant on a nearby field.

Logan college officials say they anticipate the plant's 5,600 solar panels will supply 40% of the college's energy usage annually. Work on the site is expected to begin next month, with the solar plant expected to be online by the end of the year.

Logan College Vice President Brad McCormick says the goal is to secure and lock in energy costs for the long term that will allow the college to use those resources for education.

According to Logan College President Ron House, the nearly $3 million construction project won't cost the school anything.

The project is made possible by 2916's Future Energy Jobs Act, which requires the expansion of energy efficiency programs.

___

Information from: Southern Illinoisan, http://www.southernillinoisan.com