Students at Austin High School have made their dream to bring solar energy into their building a reality.

Members of the Students on the School Board, a group of students in grades 9 through 12 who report to the Austin School Board every month, have researched cost benefits, a site investigation, funding sources and the viability of installing solar panels on the AHS roof.

Dayna Jondal, who AHS principal Brad Bergstrom calls the “driving force” behind the Solar Panel Initiative, presented their progress to the board Monday night.

Jonda explained that installing the 10 1.95-kilowatt panels on the roof will be comparable to planting more than 300 trees.

“And the nice thing about these is there is almost no maintenance on them,” she said.

The Students on the School Board group has determined the cost benefits, conducted a site investigation, met with Austin Utilities and even applied for a $2,000 Wal-Mart grant.

The Sanyo brand panels will have a 20-year warranty, be adaptable, mobile and have the ability to withstand one-inch hail at 70 mph.

A data logger will be located in the environmental science classroom for educational purposes.

The earliest installation date would be August or September.

Solar panels will save the school about 26,000 kilowatt hours her year; the building averages about 200,000 per year.

“It starts small and really adds up,” said Jondal, who graduated last week.

The project will cost the district more than $26,000, but Jondal said the students have been working with Austin Utilities on an incentive program and have a list of other potential resources for funding. The school will also receive a state rebate.

“I’m just so impressed. This was so well thought out,” board member Diana Wangsness said.

“I have every confidence this project will go in,” superintendent Candace Raskin said. “I think it’s marvelous your commitment.”

The Students on the School Board have also established a “Going Green Club,” to begin this fall. The environmental group will organize recycling in the building, among other activities.

“We’ve already talked to some freshman who are so excited about taking this on,” Jondal said.