Since returning to in-person learning after the pandemic, Edison High School has undergone a “glow-up” phase of renewal and renovation. Along with a renovated auditorium and refurbished turf, solar panels have been added to Edison High’s list of upgrades.
Over the summer, the school roof was redone for solar panel installation. Usually, roof inspections are conducted before solar panels are added. If the roof ends up needing to be redone after the solar panel installation, the panels must be removed and replaced. As a precaution, the school redid the roofing before the panel installation, eliminating the risk of needing to replace the panels at a later date.
“The roof at EHS hasn’t been redone in ten to fifteen years, and will probably need to be replaced in a few years after the installation of the panels,” said Edison High principal Mr. Charles Ross. “Instead of needing to remove the panels in a few years [to redo the roof], we’ve done it now so we can avoid that inconvenience.”
Solar panels will provide the school with another source of energy, and reduce the school’s emissions and carbon footprint.
“Energy will be cheaper and cleaner than fossil fuels for the district,” said Ross.
However, concerns about the cost are an issue among students.
“I’m a bit worried about the cost and I hope this doesn’t increase taxes,” said Vibunav Janaki Ashok ‘27. “Solar panels are quite expensive, and I don’t know how much this will impact our taxes.”
The addition of solar panels was part of the 2022 Edison School District’s Energy Savings Investment Plan (ESIP), in which the district suggested using energy savings to fund new equipment like new boilers, HVAC systems, and solar panels. By using the district’s savings, there will be little to no cost to the taxpayers. In replacing old equipment with more efficient technology, the district also increases long-term savings and invests more money into energy-efficient equipment in schools and programs.
The district’s decision takes place during a national initiative for cost and energy efficiency in schools. Adding solar panels to seven schools in Orange County, Virginia, for example, saved the county around $130,000 a year, according to The New York Times.
Ross explained that by saving money with solar panels, more money can be invested into improving students’ experiences at the nest.
“Money we don’t spend on energy is more money we can spend on school programs and activities,” said Ross.
Many students believe that solar panels are a step in the right direction when it comes to creating a sustainable school district.
“I think it’s a good way that a school can move to be more environmentally friendly,” said Kinjal Vaibhav ‘25. “It’s great the district is investing money into solar panels.”
Some also believe that the school will benefit from solar panels due to its large population.
“EHS is a big school with many students, so shifting to solar will reduce their fossil fuel reliance,” said Queena Liu ‘26. “We use a lot of energy, so even a small change will make a big difference.”
Ross explained that the change will not only be beneficial for EHS, but for the local and national communities as well.
“I hope that these solar panels at Edison Schools will inspire other districts to make a change to be more environmentally friendly,” said Ross. “These small changes can have such a big impact on the community, and it’s great that we can help be that change.”
