Future Solar Leaders in the Making
What better way to learn about solar energy than to see how a solar module is actually made?
Bila Solar recently welcomed students from Earth Charter Indiana’s Climate Camp to our Indianapolis manufacturing facility as part of the camp’s Solar Week. Led by Zach Schalk, Indiana Program Director at Solar United Neighbors, the week gives students a firsthand look at the science, engineering, policy and people shaping the solar industry.
We were proud to bring the manufacturing side of that story to life.
During the tour, students followed the journey of a solar module across the factory floor and learned about the technology, quality processes and skilled teams behind American solar manufacturing. They also came prepared with plenty of questions. We heard everything from: “The machines are so cool!” to “How many solar panels IS that?”
Those questions matter because the future of solar will depend on more than new factories and new projects. It will depend on the people ready to design, build, operate and improve them.
As the United States expands its domestic clean energy supply chain, developing the next generation of engineers, technicians, operators and problem-solvers is a strategic priority. Giving students early exposure to these careers helps make the industry more tangible and shows them that meaningful opportunities in advanced manufacturing and renewable energy may be available right in their own communities.
For the Bila Solar team, the visit was also a welcome reminder that manufacturing is not simply about machines, materials and production targets. It is about people sharing knowledge, solving problems and helping others imagine what is possible.
We are grateful to Shannon Anderson from Earth Charter Indiana for including Bila Solar in this year’s Climate Camp and to Zach Schalk from Solar United Neighbors for creating an engaging Solar Week that connects classroom learning with the real-world clean energy economy.
We hope the campers left with a better understanding of how American-made solar modules move from an idea to the factory floor — and perhaps a few new ideas about where their own futures could take them.