What is it?

During the 2022-23 School Year, EAT began exploring how we could reduce our environmental impact, specifically our carbon footprint, by installing Solar Panels on campus! We created a petition which you can find here: Solar Panels Petition

We began by asking an expert to perform an energy audit and compose a proposal for us to install solar panels. When we met with them, they informed us that at the moment, because the roof of the Science building (where we were hoping to put the solar panels) is old and will need to be replaced soon, it doesn't make sense to invest in solar panels. 

Additionally, as a school we are using so much energy that we would need to cover every inch of campus with solar panels in order to produce enough energy for the school. Because of this, we decided to shift our focus to reducing our energy usage, though we are keeping solar panels in mind for the future, especially with the new wellness center!

Below you can find the proposal that was created for us by Synchro Solar, as well as a a spreadsheet where our energy expenses are tracked. 

Energy Audit

Above is the estimated cost of installment if Synchro Solar was able to install the panels after a replacement of the roof of the science building. This includes the cost of installment as well as the solar panels.

Proposed Solar Panel Locations

Bird's-Eye view of the Math and Science buildings complete with prospective solar panel placement

Potential Savings

"Why install solar panels in the PNW?"

Though we may think of Oregon as the rainy state, we shouldn't discount the power of the sun especially during the summer months. Synchro Solar determined that the Science and Math buildings would mostly be able to sustain themselves on solar panels, saving potential hundreds-of-thousands in electric.

Return on Investment Calculations 

In this section, Catlin Gabel will see a huge return of investment in the money that we would save! As years pass, the value depreciates less and less, leading to higher returns.

Potentional Tax Credits