Now, students at the University of Central Florida get to see for themselves whether a solar electric system is something they would want for their home.

One of the engineering buildings on UCF's campus is hooked up to a solar electric system, or photovoltaic system. Its solar panels transfer energy from the sun directly into electricity.

"To dissect this technology, understand it better, and implement it on their building and their own homes in the future," Bessette said.

The panels also serve as an awning. It provides extra shading, and should keep the building cooler.

Bessette said the system is about twice the size of one the average family would put on their home, a demonstration that lets students get a taste of something that is becoming more widespread.

An environmental marketing firm, however, claimed it takes more energy to manufacture and transport a photovoltaic panel than it is ever going to produce over its useful life.

News 13 asked Bessette, who said as long as demand keeps going up for the systems, that cost will go down.