The Brophy solar panels had not been working at full capacity for the 2023-24 school year according to Mr. Cooper Davis. All solar panels on the roofs of buildings had been down until April 17. This happened because a part in the panels had to be warrantied and replaced so Ameresco shut them off. The solar panels have been responsible for 48% of Brophy’s energy since April 17. 

Ameresco is the company that Brophy partnered with to install the solar panels. Brophy pays Ameresco a monthly fee for maintaining and fixing the solar panels. “It is their contractual obligation to make sure that they’re running up to standard.” said student climate coalition monitor Mr. Davis.  

Brophy saved over $5000 in electricity bills in March 2024 and more than $80,000 since the panels were installed in October 2022 according to Graham Long ‘26. 

Brophy has maximized its solar panel capacity. Mr. Davis said “Every viable flat roof now has as many solar panels as it can support.” 

More solar panels could be installed in the north lot which would power St. Francis Xavier. “We have had multiple meetings with St. Francis Xavier.” Mr. Davis said.

Mr. Davis said “We are in the process of selecting a date to be 100% renewable.” One way to get to this goal could be investing in an off-site renewable energy source like a wind farm or more solar panels.

The solar panels have had a sizable impact on Brophy’s carbon footprint. Since installation, 337.6 tons of carbon have been offset including 310.9 tons in the last twelve months according to Long.

Electric vehicle parking spaces with charging stations could be installed underneath the solar panels in the south lot. These spaces would be reserved for electric vehicles to encourage students to reduce their carbon footprint.