RE Log Spring 2022

Over the next year we interviewed installers, dove even deeper into the technology and learned how to best implement solar panels at Ransom Everglades. There were hurricane considerations, angles of the rooftop to the sun, uncertainty about how many panels could fit and questions about what type of panel was best suited. We eventually partnered with Goldin Solar, which has installed solar all over South Florida and is based in Coconut Grove. We ultimately chose Goldin Solar because they shared our excitement for the impact Ransom Everglades can make and were dedicated to incorporating the education of our community on the importance of sustainability. With the planning and configuring complete by early 2022, the installation of a solar array on the top of the Henry H. Anderson, Jr. ’38 Gymnasium began in late January. By the time this magazine goes to press, we will have helped “flip the switch” to go live. On that day, and many after it, we will produce 160,036 kilowatt hours of energy from 305 panels installed on the gym rooftop. This will translate to planting 63,122 trees, driving 243,740 fewer miles per year and taking 21 cars off the road. Over 25 years this will save Ransom Everglades nearly half a million dollars. We will be able to see every day what is being produced and the impact that this one installation is having. Of course, we don’t want this installation to mark the end of Ransom Everglades’ solar journey. We see it as merely the beginning. As all of us near graduation, we now are tasked with finding more Students for Solar and supporters. Who’s in? To support environmental sustainability at Ransom Everglades, contact Melanie Hoffmann at mhoffmann@ransomeverglades.org or 305 460 8820. SPRING 2022 Ransom Everglades LOG 35 Madison Munroe ’22, Julian Stancioff ’23, Daniel Stancioff ’22, Wirth Munroe ’22