Sunlight is now powering Marist High School, thanks to a new solar array on its 115th Street campus. The project marks a major step in the school’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainability while giving students a front-row view of renewable energy in action.
The installation includes 982 solar panels with a total capacity of about 579 kilowatts. Once fully operational, the system is expected to produce roughly 695,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, saving the school $80,000 to $90,000 annually and preventing around 490 metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere — the equivalent of taking more than 100 cars off the road.
“This project reflects Marist High School’s commitment to being thoughtful stewards of our resources and leaders within our community,” said David Waterman, director of buildings and grounds. “The completion of this solar installation allows us to reduce our environmental footprint while providing real-world learning opportunities for our students.”
The solar project was developed in partnership with Mission Energy, which managed planning and financing, and built by 93Energy, which installed the system for long-term performance and reliability. The array even includes optional battery storage to store energy for later use, ensuring efficiency day and night.
Beyond the financial and environmental impact, the solar panels tie into the school’s broader sustainability efforts led by the student-run Green Team. Moderated by Ms. Brigid Wolff, the group focuses on reducing waste, promoting ecological awareness, and fostering a “go green” culture across campus. They have introduced composting in the cafeteria, organized sustainable fashion events like the “Say Yes to the Thrifted Dress” prom initiative, and led projects such as native planting to enhance the local environment.
Students, staff, and visitors can watch clean energy being generated in real time, giving the Green Team’s efforts a practical complement and reinforcing lessons in science, technology, and sustainability.
With this solar array and the ongoing work of the Green Team, Marist High joins a growing number of schools using renewable energy and student-led initiatives to cut costs, reduce emissions, and create hands-on learning experiences that extend well beyond the classroom.
