University of Toledo to test solar panels

OHIO - NASA has given a $1.13 million grant to the University of Toledo to transform a vacant warehouse into a regional solar panel testing center.

Officials said that the center will be one of the few places in the country to test the panels that capture solar energy producers. Currently, most companies have their solar panels tested in Colorado.

Michael Heben, a professor hired by the university to research alternative energy, said the warehouse should be filled with solar simulators within a year. The simulators will help the center test and calibrate panels for companies from around the Midwest.

Frank Calzonetti, the university's vice president of research development, says the testing center could help the local economy by attracting alternative energy companies.