In collaboration with the architectural engineering program, the Center for Research in Energy and Environment is offering a solar tour and workshop for new students during Opening Week. The event will be held Thursday, Aug. 18, at the Eco Village, on the east side of the Technology Development Center located at 900 Innovation Drive.

Students can sign up to tour the 2013 and 2015 solar houses from 8:15-9:15 a.m. and participate in an interactive workshop on solar panels. Check-in will be between the two houses.

Activities during the workshop include:

• Measuring voltage of solar panels using a multimeter
• Using an infrared gun to calculate the temperature of the solar panel
• Using a pyranometer to measure irradiance on the solar panel
• Using a thermal camera to see possible defects at the cell level of the solar panels
• Using locking and tagging properly to inspect solar panels safely
• Calculating expected output of solar panels

For more information, please contact Stephane Menand, director of solar villages and microgrids for the Center for Research in Energy and Environment, at menands@mst.edu.