At a ceremony for the newest installation of a solar array, cars were already lined up neatly under several of the elevated solar panels that bring Butte College closer to energy self-sufficiency.

And there are more planned, with construction starting in 2010.

"About five years ago we became very intentional about solar," said Butte President Diana Van Der Ploeg. "Because of that, we became a leader."

There are 2,300 panels near the Child Development Center and agriculture storage in parking lot 4. Both students and staff will be able to snag those choice parking spots.

The panels will create enough energy for seven buildings on campus and four greenhouses.

The completion of the panels brings Butte College to 45 percent in terms of use of solar for energy.

The panels are the fifth project to be completed in two phases of solar construction at Butte.

Banc of America Public Capital was on the list of those praised for the program. The bank has a 10-year plan to make funds available to similar projects.

Van Der Ploeg also praised Mike Miller, director of facilities planning for his passion for alternative energy, as well as the Butte Board of Trustees for sharing the vision of a self-sustaining campus.

On the list of thank-yous was also Chevron Energy Solutions for work on the project,

and PG&E, which offers rebates and guidance for projects like these.

Since 2001, Miller told the small crowd, Butte College has increased its interior space by 50 percent, while decreasing the money spent on electricity by 30 percent.

His goal is to be "grid-neutral" by 2012.

Miller said he hopes money from energy savings will mean more money for the campus budget in the future.

Lindsey Corbin, development manager with Chevron Energy Solutions, said she is impressed by how Butte not only is investing in solar, it is creating a "culture of sustainability on campus" which will held develop sustainability leaders for the future, she said.

Tino Nava, account manager for PG&E, said he's thrilled to be working with Butte, as well as other area energy leaders.