In the 18 months since installing 932 solar panels on the roof of Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep in Waukegan, the school has reduced its electricity costs by more than $100,000. The panels have been installed on the building, which has a larger parking lot than it needs. The school uses the savings to fund its educational mission of helping teens from under-resourced families get a college education. The solar array is currently supplying 40% of the school's electric needs and is operated by DeWan Solar, which funded the project built by Verde Solutions. Despite the financial savings, school President Preston Kendall said the benefits of the project include less carbon dioxide being released into the air and setting an example for the community on the benefits.