Solar energy duo next up in Keystone Series

Sam and Connor Field

KALAMAZOO—Father and son founders of a Kalamazoo-based solar energy development company will share their insights on renewable energy and what it takes to provide energy solutions that make true economic sense as Western Michigan University continues its Keystone Community Bank Breakfast Speaker Series.

Sam and Connor Field will talk about "The Economics of Solar Power" at 8 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25, in the Dean's Conference Room of Schneider Hall. The event is free and open to the public and begins with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (269) 387-5050. Free parking is available.

Helios Solar

Dedicated to environment engineering and economics, Helios Solar specializes in the planning, design, installation and operation of commercial- and utility-scale solar photovoltaic electricity generation facilities.

Recognized for reliability and efficiency, Helios Solar is the single largest supplier of solar energy to Consumers Energy with its creation of the Kalamazoo Solar Facility. Connected to the Consumers Energy grid, the Kalamazoo Solar Facility was the largest solar energy facility in the state of Michigan when built. The facility produces five times more electricity per dollar invested than the previous establishment, the Lansing Board of Water and Light, and is more efficient than other large arrays due to its unique multi-position panel mounting system. By engineering its own proprietary mounting system, the company developed a low-cost method of improving array output by 20 percent without sacrificing system reliability.

For more information or to register, contact the Haworth College of Business at (269) 387-5050.

About the series

The Keystone Community Bank Breakfast Speaker Series provides an opportunity for the local community to hear top business leaders and WMU faculty, alumni and friends of the Haworth College of Business discuss current topics of interest.

Upcoming Keystone speakers:

  • Nov. 22: Heather Ratliff, wellness coach and nurse, The Wellness RN
  • Jan.  31: Tara East, executive director, Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center