Senator Stabenow Tours Advanced Power Systems Laboratories’ Solar Sandia National Laboratories Project

Nearly a year after the ribbon cutting for the Department of energy’s Regional testing center program at Michigan Tech’s Advanced Power Systems Laboratories Senator Debbie Stabenow was able to make an in person appearance and take a tour of the facility. Michigan Tech University researchers and students at the Advanced Power Systems Laboratories over the past year have collected crucial data on the performance and energy output potential for prototype solar panels. The group’s data collection is a part of a larger collection of data studying solar panel performance in the toughest weather conditions, with three other sites in Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico. During yesterday’s tour Senator Stabenow said she was truly impressed by the incredible work presented by young students with a passion for studying renewable technologies.

“What is interesting is all of the different kinds of things they are testing, right now. And the information they are finding out. Not only about in terms of what is happening with snow, the damage, the technology, and various kinds of situations. And so, it’s clear this is really important, I expect this program to continue to go on for a long time. Because we are seeing the solar panel technology, the way it’s becoming a very important part of our clean energy operations. So So what’s being done here is and the knowledge, it will help the private sector do a better job on the solar panels, and is gong to be very important.” – Senator Debbie Stabenow

The senator was also able to take time and address what she and colleagues are working on in Washington D.C. on behalf of Michigan. Stabenow announced earlier this year she will not seek reelection in 2024. As Chairwoman of the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee she says her and others hope to finish work to complete the farm bill before the year is out.

“I am going to continue to focus on the things that are happening here. With advanced manufacturing, we really have a advanced manufacturing renaissance going on. And Michigan is leading that charge. And frankly, Calumet and Houghton are leaders in that. I am going to continue to make sure the things I’ve put in place to protect the great lakes are there. I am leading the efforts on the Soo Lock. We brought in dollars and secured what needs to be done. I’ll be down there in a couple of days to see what they are doing now in phase three of building the lock. It very important to me to get as much of that done as possible, until that gets done.” – Senator Debbie Stabenow

The senator also met with leadership at Calumet Electronics to tour its facility earlier in the day. Before meeting business and community leaders from the region on Michigan Tech’s campus. Today, Senator Stabenow will continue meeting with industry and community leaders in the central region of the Upper Peninsula. Her last stop in the Upper Peninsula before returning to congress will include checking in on the construction progress at the new Soo Lock. Senator Debbie Stabenow will return to Washington D.C. after the labor day holiday to reconvene with the U.S. Senate.