SU installs 4 new solar benches on campus

(New solar bench recently installed outside of Conway Hall)

Salisbury University got four new solar benches located around the main campus over the summer as part of the campus’ continuous Green Fund Initiative.

Why it matters: 

The benches appear in the following places around campus:

• Two benches outside Sea Gull Square

• One bench outside of Conway Hall

• One bench outside of Guerrieri Student Union

  
  

SU alumni Paige Cohen got in touch with Director of Campus Sustainability Chris Homeister and Director of Horticulture Frank Bowen during her time as a student in February 2025 to:

• Help identify locations for the benches.

• Submit the Green Fund proposal the following month. 

  
  

Each bench contains charging outlets for laptops and phones, including USB-A, USB-C, three-prong and wireless ports.

Homeister said the first solar bench was installed in 2016 by the same manufacturers, Enerfusion, outside of the Henson School and hasn’t required maintenance since he started working on campus.

(The surface of the bench with two wireless chargers shaped like phones built into the tabletop)

What they’re saying:

• “That [first] bench was received very well on campus and the need for more reached us,” Homeister said. “We’re just trying to equip students with what they need while outside.”

• SU student Sierra White thinks it’s a great part of campus, but the wireless chargers could be made more apparent. “I feel like if you put one of the power symbols it would help us realize that it’s a [wireless] charger. I just thought it was part of the design.”

  University Spokesperson Jason Rhodes also thought the feedback has been positive. “I don’t think they would’ve been implemented if students were dissatisfied with them,” he said.

Driving the news:

Homeister said there are requests for more solar benches in the near future.

• He said faculty at the Henson Medical Simulation Center have already requested benches outside of their building.

• Homeister said to expect a couple of benches outside of Blackwell Hall once construction is completed.

According to Homeister, each bench cost approximately $12,500. 

The Big Picture:

• Each bench is made out of 100% recycled materials and is entirely powered by solar energy. 

• Last year, The Princeton Review ranked SU as the 29th most sustainable university in the U.S., indicating the campus’ focus on sustainable energy.

Go Deeper:

More information on SU’s Green Fund Projects