The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the National Electrical Contractors Association, in conjunction with local businesses and organizations completed the installation of a new solar array atop the Annex of Austin High School in Austin, MN this past August.

Through the donations of labor, materials, tools, and trade skills, the eco-friendly, 10-kilowatt solar array will generate enough energy to power one of the school’s computer labs and provide an educational opportunity for Austin High School students moving forward.

Generous contributions were provided by local businesses and groups, according to Chad Katzung, business representative of the IBEW Local 343. Ecovision Electrical donated all of the design work for the setup, Austin Electric pulled permits, and provided tools and labor, Kestner Electric and Fox Electric donated materials; and Nietz Electric donated tools for the project. The IBEW Local 343, along with the NECA donated $6,000 to the project.