CORBIN, Ky. (WYMT) - Corbin High School's radio station is soaking up the sun. Thanks to a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, they are broadcasting in an environmentally friendly way. Any day now, brand new solar panels on the roof of the school will start powering the 100 watt transmitter for the school's radio station.

"We do want to make some hard connections to the electric back-up there just to make sure, but at this point the batteries are now fully charged and we're ready to go solar," said radio station manager David Colvin.

The solar panels are the result of a $10,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission. Teachers say it's part of a greater effort to "go green" at Corbin High School.

"We have recycling programs here for paper and plastic and cardboard, you know that's part of our recycling program," said Colvin.

With the new solar panel on the roof, not only are students getting hands-on experience in broadcasting, they're also learning about renewable energy. Broadcasting students at C.H.S. say the move to solar power is a very cool idea.

"I've never seen any solar power around here, especially since we're in such a coal area, and since you can run something like this from solar energy is just awesome," said student Tanner Broughton.

Colvin says solar power is here to stay, and he hopes the new tech will help students be prepared for the future.

The faculty at Corbin High School eventually plan to incorporate the solar array into the school's science curriculum.