Sun proves its power to youngsters at Broward College solar power event

COCONUT CREEK —

Eleven-year-old Ben Shannon was hundreds of miles from the BP oil spill, but a program for children on solar energy at Broward College's north campus Friday made him realize he can do his part to help protect the environment.

"I'll recycle more stuff, turn off the lights and the sink when they're not in use," said Ben, who'll be going into the sixth grade at Forest Glen Middle School in Coral Springs.

"Everyone needs to help now, and I need to pitch in," he said.

Ben was among about 50 students between the ages of 7 and 15, who attended the event hosted by Advanced Roofing and Junior Achievement of South Florida. They learned about solar and renewable energy, tried some hands-on activities, and took a spin in a solar-powered racing car.

The program was part of annual solar day activities being organized around the country.

Rob Kornahrens of Advanced Roofing said he organized the event so the younger generation can better understand renewable energy.

The roof of the Junior Achievement of South Florida building, where the program was held, currently has a 167,000 kilowatt solar panel system put in by Advanced Roofing, said Kornahrens.

Experts answered questions from the students about the United States' dependence on oil, energy alternatives, and the Gulf oil spill.

"Feelings are running so high," said Chuck Malkus, spokesman for the local event. "All of us are touched by this. It just so happens that solar weekend is coming at a crucial time, especially for the young ones because they are the ones who are going to have to deal with energy needs."

Several members of the South Plantation High School Solar Knights Racing Team explained how solar energy works. The team is preparing for a cross-county competition next month.

"We need to keep the trend going with being environmentally conscious," said Jason

Rosen, 18, captain of the Solar Knights. "That way, we become the new stewards of tomorrow."

Students were allowed to ride in the passenger seat of the Solar Knight I, the team's first solar-powered car.

The car had a BP sponsorship sticker on it, but someone tore it off during the event.

A video detailing the BP spill can be found on the CBS4 website .