A group of engineering students from Engineers for a Sustainable World at University of California, Irvine visited Irvine-based utility-scale solar developer Sunpin Solar last week for a Lunch and Learn presentation and a solar tour at Sunpin Solar’s 96.75-MW ColGreen North Shore solar project in Riverside County.

Sunpin Solar execs covered the fundamentals of solar energy, the solar project development process, and explored post-graduation options in renewable energy industry for aspiring sustainable engineers.

UC Irvine students learned about the development process from land acquisition, construction to project completion. The presentation also addressed the questions students raised before their visit.

“Sunpin Solar is proud to be an Irvine-based company and is willing to support local colleges and universities through more educational programs and workforce development initiatives.” states XJ Chen, Sunpin Solar’s VP of Business Development.

During the site tour, the students were walked through each stage of the solar energy production cycle and learned about the modules, racking systems, inverters, substations and other equipment used in the process. “As engineering students, we learn about the science behind solar panels but never about the logistics and maintenance of a solar power plant. It gave us a new perspective on solar power,” said Nicole Alvarez, VP External of Engineers for a Sustainable World at UCI.

Businesses and corporations providing real-world opportunities for students is a big step toward growing the field and helping students choose the right career path. Renewable energy is a rapidly growing business where talented young adults will be able to make a significant impact.

News item from Sunpin