University of Toledo to test solar panels
OHIO - NASA has given a $1.13 million grant to the University of Toledo to transform a vacant warehouse into a regional solar panel testing center.
Officials said that the center will be one of the few places in the country to test the panels that capture solar energy producers. Currently, most companies have their solar panels tested in Colorado.
Michael Heben, a professor hired by the university to research alternative energy, said the warehouse should be filled with solar simulators within a year. The simulators will help the center test and calibrate panels for companies from around the Midwest.
Frank Calzonetti, the university's vice president of research development, says the testing center could help the local economy by attracting alternative energy companies.
Related News

Planning for our electricity future should be led by an independent body
ST. JOHNS - Maintaining a viable electricity network requires good long-term planning. The existing stock of generating assets can become obsolete through aging, changes in fuel prices or environmental considerations. Future changes in demand must be anticipated.
Periodically, an integrated resource plan is created to predict how all this will add up during the ensuing 25 years. That process is currently underway and is led by Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI) and will be submitted for approval to the Utilities and Review Board (UARB).
Coal-fired plants are still the largest single source of electricity in Nova Scotia. They need to be replaced…