Newark Academy Installs First Phase of Solar Panels | News Stories
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:12
Newark Academy Installs First Phase of Solar Panels | News Stories
Skip To Main Content
Newark Academy Installs First Phase of Solar Panels
Newark Academy Installs First Phase of Solar Panels
April
16
,
2026
View the drone footage here
Newark Academy unveiled its first installment of solar panels, a pivotal part of the school’s long-term Sustainability Plan, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, April 15.
The solar panels — an initiative that began under the leadership of former Head of School Donald M. Austin and continued by current Head of School Tom Ashburn — were installed on the roof of the Simon Family Field House and the Arts wing as part of a two-phase plan. The second phase will include securing solar carports in the employee parking lot.
Former Head of School Don Austin and Head of School Tom Ashburn celebrate the first installation of solar panels at Newark Academy. (Photo by Felipe Ledezma)
“The solar project is an important step for Newark Academy as we explore new technologies, sustainability, and efficiency to build a stronger campus for our students today and in the future,” says Director of Operations Brian Stephenson. “This is another example of Newark Academy being progressive and proactive in our future planning.”
Upon completion, Newark Academy will boast 1,676 solar panels with an estimated annual production of 1,046,792 kilowatt-hours. The panels are anticipated to bring Newark Academy’s electric consumption down by 32 percent, saving 640 metric tons of CO2 each year. This move will also save the school an estimated $50,000 per year.
“This solar installation, spread across the campus, will remind us every day of our institutional commitment to living by the principles of sustainability: embracing the newest technologies, reducing our carbon footprint and leading by example,” says Director of Sustainability Neil Stourton.
This project comes on the heels of Newark Academy’s Board of Trustees naming sustainability as a key priority in the school’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan and recommitting to infuse sustainability in a number of strategic initiatives. Newark Academy has been forward-thinking in regards to sustainable initiatives since 2012, when the school achieved LEED Gold certification on the construction of the Catherine and Frank Petrello Upper School Academic Center. The school has since prioritized
sustainable building practices
in all subsequent facility renovations
Newark Academy Installs First Phase of Solar Panels
Mock Trial Wins 2026 Essex County Championship
Newark Academy Names Andy Schneider as its Next CFO
Skip To Main Content
Newark Academy Installs First Phase of Solar Panels
Newark Academy Installs First Phase of Solar Panels
April
16
,
2026
View the drone footage here
Newark Academy unveiled its first installment of solar panels, a pivotal part of the school’s long-term Sustainability Plan, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, April 15.
The solar panels — an initiative that began under the leadership of former Head of School Donald M. Austin and continued by current Head of School Tom Ashburn — were installed on the roof of the Simon Family Field House and the Arts wing as part of a two-phase plan. The second phase will include securing solar carports in the employee parking lot.
Former Head of School Don Austin and Head of School Tom Ashburn celebrate the first installation of solar panels at Newark Academy. (Photo by Felipe Ledezma)
“The solar project is an important step for Newark Academy as we explore new technologies, sustainability, and efficiency to build a stronger campus for our students today and in the future,” says Director of Operations Brian Stephenson. “This is another example of Newark Academy being progressive and proactive in our future planning.”
Upon completion, Newark Academy will boast 1,676 solar panels with an estimated annual production of 1,046,792 kilowatt-hours. The panels are anticipated to bring Newark Academy’s electric consumption down by 32 percent, saving 640 metric tons of CO2 each year. This move will also save the school an estimated $50,000 per year.
“This solar installation, spread across the campus, will remind us every day of our institutional commitment to living by the principles of sustainability: embracing the newest technologies, reducing our carbon footprint and leading by example,” says Director of Sustainability Neil Stourton.
This project comes on the heels of Newark Academy’s Board of Trustees naming sustainability as a key priority in the school’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan and recommitting to infuse sustainability in a number of strategic initiatives. Newark Academy has been forward-thinking in regards to sustainable initiatives since 2012, when the school achieved LEED Gold certification on the construction of the Catherine and Frank Petrello Upper School Academic Center. The school has since prioritized
sustainable building practices
in all subsequent facility renovations
Newark Academy Installs First Phase of Solar Panels
Mock Trial Wins 2026 Essex County Championship
Newark Academy Names Andy Schneider as its Next CFO