The only movie theater in Athens is now one of only two in the Tennessee Valley to run entirely on solar power.

Ralph Freehauf, owner of Cinemagic Drive-In Theater, said the plan initially began four years ago, but was put on hold for about two years. Once it started back up again, with the help of the ACE LLC SOLAR field crew, the project was completed in about six months, according to Freehauf.

“We have a deep responsibility to be good stewards of the earth,” Freehauf said, speaking with his wife at a ribbon-cutting ceremony honoring the transition.

Several guests attended, including Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks, Athens Chamber of Commerce President Jennifer Williamson and retired NASA scientist Ted Edge.

“It takes someone who has a little bit of a green heart to say, ‘Hey, I want to do this,’ because it’s good for the planet or good for the United States,” said Edge, who helped develop the solar panels used for the Hubble Space Telescope during his 45 years with NASA. “I think it’s good for the United States to become as energy-independent as it can, and this is a step in that direction.”

Freehauf said even the air conditioning in the building is now solar-powered, thanks to a series of panels on the roof and a row of converter boxes on the side of the building.

Edge explained that in solar power’s first stages, only 5-10 percent of solar input could be converted to usable energy. Since then, that number has risen to more than 20 percent.

Williamson thanked Cinemagic for being part of the community and recognized it and other Athens businesses that have taken a leading role in going green.

“In recent years, we’ve seen a number of our businesses take on green initiatives,” Williamson said. “… They’re leading the way in Athens and Limestone County to be a greener community.”

The ceremony also included a performance by vocalist Alicia Lundquist. The Rev. Jeffrey K. Evans of St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church led guests in a prayer before blessing the building.

After the ceremony, guests were invited to view one of the movies now powered through solar energy. Freehauf said selections included Al Gore’s recent documentary, “An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power.”