Pennsylvania schools are in a tough spot. They need money for solar energy projects but can’t get it. The state set aside $25 million through the Solar for Schools Act, but legislative delays have blocked the funds. Meanwhile, 88 schools have requested $88 million – far more than what’s available. School officials worry about rising energy costs while they wait for lawmakers to act. What happens next could determine the future of renewable energy in Pennsylvania’s education system.
Pennsylvania schools will soon have access to $25 million in solar energy grants through a new program launched this summer. The Solar for Schools Act, signed into law on July 10, 2024, creates funding opportunities for schools across the state to install solar energy systems.
The program will accept applications from November 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025. Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) is managing the program and will release full guidelines by October 2024.
Applications for the Solar for Schools program will be open November 1, 2024–January 31, 2025, with DCED guidelines coming in October.
Many types of schools can apply for these grants. Public school districts, charter schools, community colleges, and technical schools are all eligible. Schools located within 50 miles of recently closed coal plants will receive priority consideration.
The funding will be split evenly across Pennsylvania. Western, Central, and Southeastern regions will each receive one-third of the available money. This guarantees schools from all parts of the state have a fair chance at receiving grants.
These grants can cover up to 50% of a solar project’s cost. Schools can also use federal incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act, which provides an additional 30% or more in funding. When combined, these programs could potentially cover the entire cost of new solar installations.
“This is a great opportunity for schools to reduce their energy costs while also using clean energy,” said Representative Fiedler, who mentioned the possibility of an additional $25 million becoming available in March 2025.
All projects must pay workers prevailing wages. The grants can cover equipment purchase, installation, permit fees, energy storage, and utility connection costs.
For schools, the benefits extend beyond saving money. Solar systems require little maintenance once installed. They provide long-term energy cost savings and create educational opportunities for students to learn about renewable energy. The solar panels will generate clean energy for more than 25 years with minimal maintenance requirements. The program has already seen demand far exceeding the available funding, with 88 schools requesting $88 million in total. This program represents first of its kind legislation in Pennsylvania for solar panel installation funding specifically for educational institutions.
Schools interested in applying should prepare their applications before the November opening date. The combination of state and federal funding makes this an accessible option for schools throughout Pennsylvania to invest in sustainable energy solutions.
References
- https://dced.pa.gov/programs/solar-for-schools-grant-program-s4s/
- https://dced.pa.gov/solar-for-schools-grant-program-frequently-asked-questions/
- https://www.paradisesolarenergy.com/blog/pennsylvania-solar-for-schools-grant-program
- https://www.earthday.org/bright-ideas-solar-in-pennsylvania-schools-is-an-investment-in-learning/
- https://generation180.org/electrify-our-schools/pennsylvania/support-the-solar-for-schools-grant-program/
