Bartolotta, Fiedler celebrate passage of Solar for Schools bill in Greene County
Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler September 3, 2024 | 3:56 PM
WAYNESBURG, AUGUST 29 — Today, state Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-Beaver/Greene/Washington) and state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler (D-Phila.) visited Greene County Career & Technology Center (CTC) to celebrate the passage of the Solar for Schools Act. They were joined by leaders in education, energy, and labor.
Solar for Schools is a grant program designed to help school districts across Pennsylvania install solar panels on their grounds or roofs. By generating their own energy, districts can save millions of dollars over the life of a solar project — while creating good-paying jobs, reducing environmental impact, and helping keep costs low for taxpayers. It is the first initiative of its kind to be passed in Pennsylvania.
“Schools are constantly looking for innovative ways to be responsible to their taxpayers, diversifying their funding and most importantly allowing their students to learn and grow. This bipartisan legislation encourages our schools to include solar as an option for their energy source as well as providing family sustaining jobs to our workforce. This effort combines three of my greatest passions - education, jobs and energy,” Bartolotta said.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Fiedler and ushered through the legislative process by a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers. Its passage with overwhelming support from both parties signals that legislators are united in the belief that Pennsylvania can remain a nationwide leader in energy while creating financial benefits for schools and taxpayers.
“I’m extremely proud that we were able to pass Solar for Schools, but I’m even more proud of the broad, bipartisan coalition we’ve built to do it,” Fiedler said. “Whether we’re saving schools funds or keeping money in the pockets of taxpayers, this an example of commonsense legislation that unites us. I know it’s just the beginning of what we can accomplish together!”
Utility bills are typically the second largest expense for schools, behind staffing. Energy efficiency from on-site solar will help school districts lower high energy bills and redirect funds to students and staff. Some school districts are already saving millions of dollars in energy bills over the life of a project.
The visit follows recent tour of nearby West Greene School District, where superintendent Brian Jackson in May told Sen. Bartolotta and Rep. Fiedler he hopes to take advantage of the program.
“What we see every day at West Greene, I’ll be honest: we see the coal leave West Greene, we see the gas leave West Greene,” said Jackson. “In a few short years, our coal will be depleted...so we have to find some alternatives. Now we’re here with this legislation that could possibly help us.”
Lawmakers were also joined at Greene County CTC by labor and environmental leaders, who lauded the investment.
"LIUNA has a rich history of working on renewable energy projects throughout Pennsylvania, and our members are fully prepared to meet and exceed these goals, partnering with all stakeholders to ensure success,” said Michelle Getsy, construction market representative for LECET. “We are very excited about the opportunities created by the passage of this bill and the benefits it brings to our members and schools across the commonwealth.”
"Solar for Schools is a plus for our communities, the environment, new energy workers, and the next generation of students,” said Lois Bower-Bjornson, outreach coordinator for Clean Air Council.
“Like every Pennsylvanian, school districts across the state are enduring rising energy costs. This has resulted in school leaders being placed in a difficult position of either raising local taxes or diverting resources away from the classroom to cover these increasing costs. [Solar for Schools] specifically addresses this demonstrated need for energy efficiency upgrades,” said Lena Hannah, western PA member outreach manager for PSBA.
The grant program will cover up to 50% of solar projects for schools and can be paired with federal funding available through the Inflation Reduction Act, ensuring Pennsylvania is positioned to take advantage of federal funding.
Governor Shapiro signed the bill into law on July 17, giving the Department of Community & Economic Development 90 days to establish application guidelines for the grant program.