UL Lafayette and the University of Magallanes will partner for the "Collaborative Research and Knowledge Exchange in
University to break ground on Louisiana Solar Lab
Tue, 02/01/2022 - 11:04am
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette owns and operates one of the largest outdoor solar testing facilities in the southeastern United States. The 4,200-panel solar field encompasses 6 acres, a symbol of UL Lafayette’s status as a national leader in sustainable and traditional energy technologies.
UL Lafayette will further cement that reputation on Thursday, Feb. 3, when it breaks ground on the Louisiana Solar Energy Lab. The 4,500-square-foot building will be located next to the solar field at University Research Park on Eraste Landry Road.
The lab will serve as a hub for solar research, technology development, instruction, training, outreach and workforce development. It will house solar testing equipment, a classroom, interactive learning applications, a seminar room with audio-visual equipment, a conference room, and a visitor’s center with visual displays and informational kiosks.
University alum Georges Antoun, who earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of Engineering in 1988, is the driving force behind the solar lab. That’s thanks to a $1 million lead gift, coupled with his role as chair of the college’s Dean’s Advisory Council. “The Louisiana Solar Energy Lab will be an essential component for educating the next generation of engineers in solar energy, enabling applied and long-term operational research and testing,” said Dr. Ahmed Khattab, dean of the College of Engineering.