GARYSBURG – 510nano will host a groundbreaking ceremony for its first utility scale solar farm – 510 REPP One (a 1.4 MW facility) – on Friday, Jan. 17.

The ceremony will begin at solar noon, 12:33 p.m., on the site of the solar farm, 964 Lebanon Church Road, Garysburg.

“510 REPP One is special for us,” said company President, Dr. Reginald Parker. “We believe that this is the largest solar farm developed, owned and operated by a minority owned-firm. This is a befitting kick-off for the MLK Holiday. The 5,490 plus panel solar farm will be built on land that formerly grew cotton.”

Dr. Parker shared that his mother was a cotton share cropper from Georgia who used the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to inspire him. Seemingly, it did.

The keynote speech will be delivered by U.S. Department of Energy Director, the Honorable Dot Harris.

Proclamations will be given by representatives from the offices of Congressman G. K. Butterfield, Senator Richard Burr, and Senator Kay Hagan. Local remarks will be given by N.C. Representative Michael Wray, Northampton County Commissioner Chair Robert V. Carter and Vice Chair Fannie P. Greene. Several other local officials will be in attendance, along with 510nano shareholders and stakeholders.

510nano, Inc. is a minority-owned, technology and business development firm. Founded in 2005, the company specializes in developing and deploying renewable energy solutions. With a global network of renewable energy partners, leading-edge technology, and experienced management team, 510nano has positioned itself as a leader in supplying efficient, cost-effective power plants.

Dr. Parker has more than 15 years of experience in technology design and management. He has developed or co-developed over 30 green technologies, commercialized new technologies, developed and implemented successful business plans, and optimized manufacturing products and processes. He has commercialized over $60 million in new products and optimized technology for a $600 million business unit. In addition, Dr. Parker served as a consultant on a successful B2C implementation strategy for a major airline.

Dr. Parker developed a nanobiocomposite which can be used as a semiconductor, solar material, conductive paste, and a structural enhancer. Dr. Parker developed two associated manufacturing process which can be used on a wide class of materials.

A former university professor at Morehouse, FAMU, FSU, and UND for eight years, Dr. Parker has distinguished himself as a teacher and technologist. Dr. Parker graduated one Ph.D. and four MS students, managed a 14-person research group, was a co-PI on a $2.5 million IDIQ research contract with the Army Research Laboratory, and received several awards for his work as an academician.