Representatives from Greenpeace USA talked with students at UMF Wednesday.

FARMINGTON – “Rolling Sunlight,” the Greenpeace touring demonstration van, made its University of Farmington debut on Monday.

With 256 square feet of photovoltaic panels on board, the bio-diesel van powered a microwave, a slushy machine, a television and even a concert by Peter Hardy and his band held later that evening.

The van not only has enough to power three energy-efficient homes, according to organizers, but it’s also run by biodiesel, an alternative to diesel fuel.

The van, along with a little help from a battery, was able to power the all-day, dreary-day event. The solar truck powers most daytime concerts, according to organizers. For larger shows or nighttime concerts, a biodiesel generator may be added to provide the additional energy needed.

Greenpeace USA member Sunil Bector, along with other members from the Climate Campaign, spent most of the day talking with UMF students about efficient and powerful renewable energy. “It’s really great to see so many student groups involved,” Bector said. Along with several discussions, Bector gave a behind-the-scenes tour of the truck and was able to explain just how much energy was being produced at any given moment.

Currently Bector and friends are in the midst of a 20-campus tour across New England.

Greenpeace travels around the country with the van, powering concerts, fairs and other big events to demonstrate to the public that “renewable is doable.”

Members of SEA-Change, UMF Green Campus Coalition and both the math and science departments made the event possible.

“The Rolling Sunlight’ proves how successful renewable energy can be and what we are capable of doing at UMF if we work hard enough,” said SEA-Change President and UMF junior Aaron Witham.

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