Student-Led Solar Project Expands Sustainable Outdoor Spaces at UA Little Rock
A student-led sustainability initiative at UA Little Rock is turning outdoor campus areas into hubs for renewable energy. To minimize the campus’s carbon footprint and support students’ needs, several picnic tables near the Engineering and Information Technology Building (EIT) are being upgraded to solar panel umbrellas. These stations offer shaded outdoor seating and solar-charged outlets. The upgraded spaces encourage students to spend more time outdoors and give the campus a new spot for collaboration, relaxation, or catching up on work.
The project is funded through the UA Little Rock Sustainability Grants Program, which awards up to $2,500 annually to initiatives that advance campus sustainability. In Fall 2024, mechanical engineering graduate student Colby Martinez received the grant for his proposal. Martinez, who leads the project, worked with Benjamin Anderson, an undergraduate mechanical engineering student, and Martin McCorkle, an undergraduate computer engineering student, to bring the concept to life.
“This project represents what’s possible when students are given the opportunity to turn their ideas into a reality,” the team shared. “The solar charging stations are more than just outlet locations; they’re a reminder that sustainability can be practical, accessible, and integrated into everyday life.”
The idea for solar panel umbrellas came from the team’s campus experience. They saw students gather outside between classes to work or visit, but struggled to find shaded spots with power for their devices. By upgrading seating areas with shade and built-in solar charging, the project helps students stay comfortable and connected while integrating clean energy into daily campus life.
Turning the idea into a real, usable system took careful planning and teamwork with campus partners. Each station collects sunlight with solar panels, stores the energy in batteries, and converts it into standard wall-outlet power for students to use outdoors. The team managed budgeting, materials, and installation challenges to ensure the stations are built to last and are safe for everyone.
Beyond improving campus spaces, the project gave the team valuable real-world experience. Managing a large project required cross-departmental and cross-facility communication, adapting to delays, and balancing technical design with practical constraints.
“This project helped me learn more about renewable energy technology while also providing a way to strengthen my technical abilities through professional practice. It involved balancing structural analysis, fabrication, electrical integration, procurement timelines, and coordination across departments. Developing the system from concept to installation showed that engineering requires both technical precision and responsible decision-making,” Martinez said. “That perspective will shape how I approach projects throughout my career.”
By taking the lead on sustainability efforts, UA Little Rock students are helping to reshape campus life and set an example for others. Learn more about the sustainability committee at UA Little Rock. Their work demonstrates that practical solutions can support the campus community and the environment while equipping students with skills that last long after graduation.