Photo credit: Highline High School

On June 8, 2023, the Highline High School’s Environmental Club leaders invited funders, mentors and supporters to mark the installation of a 285-panel, 100-kilowatt solar panel system to produce energy on top of the new school. Over 30 years the solar system is projected to save more than $340,000 in energy costs.

This monumental project was student-led. The solar panel design was designed by Hargis Engineers, with installation by Premier Power & Electric. The 360-watt Silfab Solar Inc. modules are made in Washington--part of a grant requirement.

It all started in the summer of 2020 when former Highline High School club president Nha Khuc asked what it would take to put solar panels on the roof of the new Burien school. Over the next few months during a year of distance learning, the students raised awareness, built support, and secured funding among the community.

Funding came from a variety of contributors: local donations, including a $12,000 community fundraiser Highline Public Schools’ capital funds, and successful applications for a $110,000 grant from Washington State Department of Commerce and $125,000 in future renewable energy credits from the Seattle City Light Green Up program.

Nha Khuc, Jordan Powers and Kim Nguyen show off their Student Leadership Award given by former Superintendent Susan Enfield and the Washington Association of School Administrators Region 110, recognizing the Club's impact on their school and community (photo credit: Highline High School)

Sources and additional information:

Tech specs: 285 panels, Egauge, 102.6 kW DC (99.9 kW AC)

The Washington State Department of Commerce has shared a 3-minute video it filmed to spotlight the project.

HHS Solar Panels Installed; Students Watched Delivery Day | News Details - Highline Public Schools (highlineschools.org)

Highline High School Celebrates Solar Panel Installation, Thanks Community and Supporters for Multi-Year Project - Powerlines (seattle.gov)