SSA advocates for solar panels on new building

The Samohi Solar Alliance (SSA) was originally formed to advocate installation of solar panels on the roof of the Drake Pool, but as the club grew, it shifted gears to other, smaller term projects like Bike It! Day. Now, SSA has returned to its roots with a campaign for the implementation of solar panels on the roof of the new Innovation BuildingIn August, SSA President Claire Goldberg (’15) met with Dean of Students Catherine Baxter to discuss the different environmental projects Samo could potentially take on during the 2013-14 school year."We discussed many possibilities, and in the end decided that putting solar panels on the [Innovation] Building should be our main priority," Goldberg said.Even though Samo currently spends $40,ooo a month on electricity, implementing the $900,000 solar panels will save the school money in the long run, according to SSA member Michael Lappen (’15). The solar panels would not only provide Samo with sustainable energy, but would also reduce the school’s carbon footprint by eliminating excess electrical waste."It's an awesome way to make our construction more sustainable," Miles said. "If we look at the energy that could be generated and the discount that will ultimately come back to the district, that will be the key if the question is of money."lgraham@thesamohi.com