AMARILLO, TEXAS -- With shorter, cloudier and cooler days in December, you may not think twice about solar power but as a renewable energy source, it's gaining popularity nationwide, especially in this part of the country.

A quarter of a billion dollars is being spent near Austin for a new solar farm, and Eastern New Mexico University has been awarded a solar energy project expected to offset half its energy needs in 20 years.

Amarillo College is also gearing up, offering solar classes starting next fall.

"We'll be able to add solar and hopefully can develop a program that will continue in each of the other areas...geo-thermal, fuel cells, and hopefully develop a program that will continue in each of those areas. It's the right thing to do...renewable and green energy need to be done and I think it's the wave of the future," says Science & Engineering Division Chair, Jack Stanley.

The college is using an $800,000 grant to start up this part of their renewable energy program, with hopes of receiving a $5-million grant next year.