OPINION: Renewable energy can help solve Anchorage gas issues and schools’ budget squeeze

The natural gas shortage in Alaska has politicians floundering. An issue that may have seemed negligible years ago is reaching a breaking point, as natural gas prices are expected to jump substantially from current levels if Alaska has to rely on imports. One of the greatest victims of this shortage will be the school system, and with the Anchorage School District (ASD) already facing a potential $98 million budget deficit, the time for debating solutions has been exhausted; action must be taken — and soon. Class sizes are expected to increase; staff positions are expected to be cut. With no clear solution in sight, it is time to turn to an answer that would have seemed impractical years ago: solar energy.

It is a fair assertion that 5-10 years ago, this plan might not have been viable. However, solar power prices have been on the decline, and with the Federal Solar Tax Credit, solar power is becoming ever more plausible in Alaska. Now, when one pays for solar, they receive a 30% refund from the government. For projects in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, this tax credit can mean huge savings.

With that being said, there is an elephant in the room when it comes to solar power in Alaska: winter. Alaska’s long winters and little daylight cause most to brush aside solar power’s merits. What most don’t realize is that the longer daylight in our summers can generate thousands of dollars worth of savings. Even in the winter, reflected light from the sun off the snow can help increase energy generation.

Alaska already has two major solar farms: the Willow and Houston installations. The Houston project alone, an 8.5-megawatt farm, is expected to power around 1,400 homes. Solar is already being taken advantage of by boroughs outside of Anchorage.

Utilizing solar power will cut into ASD’s energy costs of around $18 million per year, especially in the summer, when schools like South Anchorage High School are spending around $15,000 per month to keep the building running. Based on estimates from Alaska Solar, implementing around 170 solar panels on South High School could save thousands of dollars per year and offset as much as 27,000 pounds of coal per year.

Through the use of available grants from entities like the Alaska Energy Authority, which has provided millions of dollars in funding for solar projects like the Willow Solar Project, this goal can be achieved. When replicated all over the ASD, schools will be able to experience much-needed savings, helping retain teachers, reduce class sizes and lessen their dependence on natural gas.

Kegan Sewall-Lau is a senior at South Anchorage High School. He is working with his teachers and principal in an effort to implement a solar power installation at the school.

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