WATSONVILLE — The first day of summer was perhaps the best day for a group of students to learn how to capture and use the power of the sun.
The students, who were gathered at Cabrillo College’s Solari Green Technology Center Wednesday, were part of the college’s Summer Solar Academy.
During the weeklong program, students learn the construction, technological and marketing aspects of the burgeoning solar industry.
Cabrillo College solar program director Steve Hardin said the students were learning how to connect and power up systems that can be mounted on rooftops or on the ground to heat water and generate electricity.
For the academy, students form small groups that become fictional businesses. Students then create a business plan and design a logo. Their ultimate task is to design a solar energy system for a home and present it to a group of teachers, students and parents on Friday.
“This class has been so great,” said Katie Lamb of Felton, who attends San Lorenzo Valley High School. “I learned a whole bunch. The instructors here are really good — they’re really passionate and helpful.”
Frank Hernandez of Watsonville said building a model rooftop solar panel system gave him inspiration for a career direction.
“I loved this class,” Hernandez said. “It’s definitely a profession I want to go into — solar technology. The instructors are great. I think all of us had a good time and learned a lot.”
