A first-of-its-kind energy project is coming to the Valley.

Eastern Mennonite University will soon be the home of a solar power system you can't find anywhere else in Virginia.

Solar panels will generate 12 percent of EMU's electricity. The panels will be constructed in the north parking lot of the University Commons as well as on top of the library.

The people involved in the project say EMU will save about $2 million in electricity costs over 25 years.

"You can see projects like this in California, Colorado, but not in Virginia," says Tony Smith, CEO of Secure Futures, an energy company based in Staunton.

The company got a $225,000 grant commitment from the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy.

Under a unique program, EMU will only have to pay for the electricity.

"I was very skeptical," says Eldon Kurtz, EMU director of physical plant, of when he first heard about the project.

Kurtz says it's at least a $1-million investment.

"It's going to be a significant project. It's larger than anything I've seen in the area," says Kurtz. "I'm sure there will be a lot of people that will want to be checking out what we're doing here."

Smith says that's already happening. He says other Valley schools are interested.

"I would say probably we're not looking at years from now. We're looking at this year probably a lot of other projects unfolding," says Smith.

EMU has already taken a few green steps.

Cedarwood, a residence hall, was certified by a national organization because of its green features. The features include solar panels on the roof that heat water.

"It's sort of like icing on the cake for us to be able to have a renewable energy facility of this scale right here on our campus," says Kurtz.

A company called Southern Energy Management will install the solar panels, but local contractors will work on other parts of the project.

If you want to learn more about the project, there is an event at EMU Monday at 7 p.m. in the Strite Conference Room on the first floor of the EMU Campus Center.

The Harrisonburg Planning Commission will also hold a public hearing March 10 because EMU is proposing to change its master plan to include the solar power project.