A southern Kentucky hospital now claims to be among a few in the nation to be partially operated by solar power.

The entire third floor of the Rockcastle Regional Hospital in Mount Vernon now uses solar power.

A federal grant covered the cost of the solar panels, which collect power during the daytime.

Hospital officials say this is an important concept.

"It sends a message that Rockcastle Regional is trying to go green, help the environment, and looking out for the future," Gary Asher of Rockcastle Regional Hospital said.

The project has only been online for a few weeks.

The hospital will install a kiosk in the lobby that will show how much electricity is being saved.