Today officials with Geenex, its partners, politicians and county economic development officials held ceremonial shovels to represent the groundbreaking for the Solar Center of Excellence, which is proposed to be located on the Geenex and ET Solar farm at the old airport off Highway 158.

“It's an excellent day for all of us,” said Kevin White, director of ET Capital, a partner in the project. “It something we've been looking forward to for a long time.”

White credited behind-the-scenes work of the Halifax County commissioners in not only bringing the solar farm to fruition, but the potential solar center a step closer. “I don't think it could have been done without the vision of Halifax County. Without that vision we wouldn't be here today.”

The solar farm is already the largest in the state, White said.

Veit speaks to the audience.

The center, he said, will be something for children to take advantage of, from a young age on through high school and beyond. “We want everyone to think of a way they can contribute to the solar center. We need to have kids here. We need to have the next generation here. You can contribute your time or money to help in putting the program together.”

Halifax County Board of Commissioners Chairman James Pierce said he grew up across the field from the solar farm. “I never thought it would be a part of what's out here today. I'm proud to be here.”

It was the center that peaked the interest of commissioners, Pierce said. “Every time you get a chance to enhance educational opportunities, I think that's what it's all about.”

Solar panels are taken to the event.

Frank Avent III, chair of the county's economic development commission, said, “This is an example of what we can do when we work together.”

With a commitment from Halifax Community College to offer curriculum in the field of solar technology, Avent said, “We have an opportunity to create good jobs.”

Ervin Griffin III, president of HCC, said the college will add solar energy classes to its industrial systems program. “The partnership will see the Roanoke Valley open up to be a leader in Eastern North Carolina and the United States.”

White said while introducing the next speaker of the program, the entire project represents a $75 million investment in Halifax County over the next 15 years.

State Representative Michael Wray likened the project to a field of dreams. “It gives our children an opportunity.”

George Veit, CEO of Geenex, said, “North Carolina will be at the heart of the solar industry.”

Lori Medlin, president and CEO of the Halifax County Convention and Visitor's Bureau, said following the ceremony, the center will figure into the agency's tourism marketing, with a spread in Field Trips Magazine, and an opportunity for trips to learn the area's power generation history, from the Roanoke Canal and dams to the solar farms. “The facility can be used for summer camps and doing tours for classes and tours of the area.”