Nearby schools such as Prospect, Lynbrook and Monta Vista all share one feature that Saratoga conspicuously lacks: solar panels.

Within the last few years, schools across the state have teamed up with solar energy companies like Chevron Energy Solutions and SunPower Corporation to install solar panels on their campuses, most often in the form of parking lot canopies (a practice first started by Google in 2007, before schools caught onto the trend).

The creation of California Solar Incentive, launched by the state government, has helped spur this increase in solar technology. The program offers monetary incentives for the implementation of solar energy systems. 

Apart from partnering with companies who sell electricity back to the district, schools also work with banks for low-interest loans and host fundraisers to help fund for the project.

Especially during a time when school budgets are squeezed to the limit, the financial awards resulting from the use of solar panels are significant: Electricity costs are cut down per school by at least $1.5 million in the first year, $7.6 million in five years and $36 million by the time the solar panels have completed its life span of around 30 years, according to Low-Tech Magazine.

It’s also amazing to think that at just one school, the panels can also lower carbon emissions by 3,100 metric tons annually.

Another goal of the project is to spark student interest in the sciences, specifically in the area of renewable energy sources. As students gain direct exposure in observing the workings and advantages of alternative energy technologies, the state hopes these firsthand experiences will prompt students to eventually pursue careers in the clean energy field.

Saratoga High would profit greatly from following the footsteps of these energy-efficient schools statewide, with solar panelling providing 75 percent of the energy needed to power each school.

Rather than feeling forced to find innovative solutions to mitigate budget reductions, Saratoga can maximize savings by minimizing its electricity bills. As soon as there’s extra funding available in its renovations budget, Saratoga High should seriously take into consideration the value of installing solar panels.

Besides, who’s going to complain after they hop into their cool, shaded cars on a scorching hot day?