This summer students from Many Farms High School participating in NTU’s Summer Dual Credit program where they designed and built a 7.2KW Solar System from scratch in 16 days. 12 days required learning 3D CAD/Solid Modeling, 3D Printing, designing, planning, and how to weld, while the last 4 days had students work on manufacturing and installation.

The system produces 208 Volt 3-phase at 20Amps and feeds directly into the high school power system. The project included a total of 24 solar panels. If they would've bid it out the entire project, it would cost about $72,000. The program was funded by the NSF Pathways and USDOT Workforce research grants.

A big thank you to Latoyia Largo from the Chinle site for coordinating the program as well as Mr. Harry Whiting, Dr. Peter Romine, Dr. Ramoni Monsuru, and Mr. Christopher Storer for delivering the instruction. Also, a big thank you to Christine Reidhead for helping get the program started (sorry if we missed anyone). Programs like this help in recruiting potential students, but they also encourage students to continue with their education and let them know that becoming an engineer or a welder is possible.

For more information about dual credit opportunities in Arizona contact Latoyia Largo at [email protected]. For more information about Dual Credit opportunities in New Mexico please contact Freda Joe at [email protected]. NTU. Endless Possibility.