Schools’ solar demand booming in Pennsylvania

(The Center Square) – The demand from schools for solar project funding across Pennsylvania is outpacing available resources, state data reveals.

In its pilot round, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, or DCED, reported receiving 88 grant applications from schools across 25 counties for the Solar for Schools program. Schools requested $88 million in funding — more than three times the available $25 million.

The bill establishing the program, introduced by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Philadelphia, was passed last session with bipartisan support and backing from environmental and labor groups.

In a press release provided to The Center Square, Fiedler called it a sweeping response to some of the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, including school funding, rising costs and climate change.

Behind staffing, she stated, energy is the second-highest cost for schools. By generating their own renewable solar energy, districts can save millions of dollars over the life of a project, allowing them to free funds that could be used on educational resources, staff, building repairs, and student programming.

“Thanks to this ability to deliver tremendous savings to schools and taxpayers,” Fiedler added, “the program has demonstrated that smart investments in clean energy can unite Pennsylvanians across geographic or ideological divide.”

“I am thrilled to see the overwhelming interest in the Solar for Schools grant program not only from the 46th Senatorial District but across our Commonwealth,” said Sen. Camera Bartolotta, R-Waynesburg. “Energy costs remain one of the biggest financial burdens on our schools, and this program will save districts and taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.”

“It is clear that our local school officials need a solution, and this has encouraged them to include solar as an option for their energy source,” she added.

Environmental and labor leaders voiced their support for the program as well.

President of the Pennsylvania Building Trades Council Robert S. Bair said it helps position labor at the forefront of emerging clean energy sectors.

“Pennsylvania workers have raised families through energy jobs for generations, and I know they’ll continue to do so in the future. By supporting a healthier planet and much-needed funding for our schools, Solar for Schools is work they can feel good about.”

“The overwhelming interest in Solar for Schools demonstrates how eager school districts across Pennsylvania are to adopt clean energy and lower costs for taxpayers,” said Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania Executive Director Molly Parzen. “We need to continue investing in this proven program, which creates jobs while lowering energy costs and ensuring our children can breathe cleaner air.”

“The enormous response from schools across the commonwealth indicates the immense need for creative solutions to our school funding crisis. It also tells us that there is a strong desire statewide for strategic investments in renewable energy,” Fiedler said. “In its pilot round alone, the demand for Solar for Schools grants far outpaces the amount of funding available, making our mission for this year’s state budget clear.”

Following the release of the application data, Governor Josh Shapiro, in his February budget address, proposed a $25 million appropriation for the program’s second year.

After a review process, DCED will award the grants this spring.