(MI) Grand Rapids Press – The quest for cheaper, cleaner energy has city and school officials partnering with United Solar Ovonic LLC on a $36 million project to convert their facilities to solar power.

“The rationale goes well beyond cutting utility costs. It’s about jump-starting a local and state economy in an emerging industry,” Greenville Public Schools Superintendent Pete Haines said.

“It’s more about putting people to work producing and installing than actually generating revenues. More importantly, for the long run, it’s about creating a full-spectrum training site — everything from manufacturing of the product to installing and monitoring.” More