North Augusta High student works for solar energy at school

Byron Thomas wants North Augusta High School to go green and save money that can go to such things as boosting teacher pay.

The 17-year-old sophomore wants the school to install solar panels to provide some of its energy needs.

So far, he has talked to the principal and sent e-mails to politicians, but the funding's not there yet, he said.

"I know they're expensive," Byron said.

He thinks the school could eventually get a return on the money through energy savings and sales of any excess power that is generated. That could help the school in other ways, such as with teacher pay.

Principal Kyle Smith said that it's a good idea but that he isn't sure of the cost benefit, especially given the present state of the economy.

"I like that he's thinking about it; that's the important part," Mr. Smith said. "I think it's great we have a student that's forward thinking."

Byron set his eyes on green energy in the eighth grade after reading Al Gore's book on climate change, An Inconvenient Truth.

"I read it in three days," he said.

His solar energy campaign is one way to spread awareness of climate change like his hero, Mr. Gore.

"I want to change our high school before I leave," he said.

He wants to stage a fundraiser for the solar panels, an investment that he thinks will pay off someday.

"It's always about the future," he said.

Byron's college plans call for studying climatology. His mother, Lana, says Byron's interest in the weather started with a family movie trip to see Twister .

"That was when I realized he was infatuated with the climate," she said.

Byron is an aspiring scientist who is also an athlete. He is a member of North Augusta's junior varsity basketball team and is a defensive end for the varsity football team.

"I'm small, but I'm fast," he said.

He also plays forward and center on two traveling soccer teams.

His mother says Byron is a people person. He always is the last one to leave a sports practice session or school at the end of the day, because he wants to make sure everything that needs to be done is done, she said.

Reach Sarah Day Owen at (706) 823-3223 or sarah.owen@augustachronicle.com.