The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) announced 74 schools across Pennsylvania are going solar with the support of $22.6 million in new Solar for PA Schools Grant Program awards.
The announcement includes $1.2 million for the School District of Philadelphia (SDP). Community College of Philadelphia and Universal Audenreid Charter High School in South Philadelphia will each receive $500,000. Once completed, these solar projects will reduce overhead costs, freeing up much-needed resources that can be invested in student enrichment and educational facilities.
PEA partnered with the Pennsylvania Solar Center to provide technical feasibility assistance for the SDP grant application. The funding is anticipated to cover up to 50 percent of construction costs for solar energy projects at four schools: Andrew Hamilton School, Murrell Dobbins Career & Technical Education High School, Northeast Community Propel Academy, and W. B. Saul High School. Clean energy rebates and incentives will further discount project installation costs.
“Solar energy is an already sound investment. When combined with the Solar for PA School Grants Program, solar provides clear short- and long-term benefits,” said Grace Hancock, PEA Senior Manager of Policy and Strategic Partnerships. “This grant can unlock tax credits and rebates, significantly reducing the cost of going solar. Plus, on-site solar advances GreenFutures sustainability goals and provides learning opportunities for students interested in clean energy career paths.”
The SDP solar energy installations are estimated to generate more than 50 percent of the schools’ electricity needs, saving millions of dollars over the lifetime of the equipment. With the Solar for Schools grant, the installations are projected to pay for themselves in less than eight years.
“Solar energy is a win-win for the School District of Philadelphia. It provides the opportunity to lower costs and reduce our environmental footprint,” said SDP Superintendent Tony B. Watlington, Sr., Ed.D. “Every dollar our schools can save through lower electricity costs is a dollar we can invest to continue accelerating student achievement.”
DCED received 88 applications during the first year of the Solar for PA Schools Grant Program. The funding requests exceeded more than three times the program’s allocation, reflecting a high level of interest in the program across the Commonwealth.
“I am so happy for each of these schools and excited to see names from nearly every corner of the state,” said Pennsylvania Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler (184th District). “I’ve heard from rural schools who plan to include their solar panels in agricultural education and from city schools that are thinking strategically about rooftop solar with limited space. I have no doubt that the recipients will benefit from the program’s flexibility to meet their school’s needs and to make the most of their strengths.”
Existing SDP solar energy installations include rooftop arrays at Albert M. Greenfield Elementary School, made possible by private donations, and at S. Solis- Cohen Elementary School.