Fiedler, Department of Community and Economic Development announce highly anticipated Solar for Schools guidelines ahead of program launch
Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler October 29, 2024 | 11:03 AM
MCVEYTOWN, Oct. 29 — On Monday, state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., joined state Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, R-Mifflin/Centre, labor leaders and environmental advocates to announce the details of the Solar for Schools grant program guidelines.
The announcement is a milestone in a years-long effort to bring solar energy to Pennsylvania schools. The grants will help fund solar projects on school grounds or roofs, saving them money on high energy costs while creating union jobs, keeping costs low for taxpayers, and accelerating the commonwealth’s adoption of clean energy.
“Solar for Schools has a lot of potential, and our goal right now is to make sure schools with a diverse array of needs submit strong applications so their communities can reap the benefits right away,” Fiedler said. “I’m incredibly proud of the bipartisan coalition we’ve built to pass the program and am ready to see it become a reality!”
"It’s our belief that if we have a good experience [with this program], it is a history lesson for the next budget cycle to go back and be able to use these as examples,” Benninghoff said.
The event was hosted by Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11. TIU Executive Director Shawn Kovac welcomed attendees to the facility and spoke to the need for cost-saving measures.
“Having been a superintendent, and now the executive director, budgets are a huge part of my life...and honestly, buying cheap pencils and waxy crayons don’t close the gap,” Kovac said. “[Solar for Schools] is a win for the IU, in that our electricity costs could be vastly reduced...and a win for the planet, in that we lower our carbon footprint.”
The state grant will cover up to 50% of solar projects for schools and can be paired with federal funding available through the Inflation Reduction Act, keeping costs to schools minimal and ensuring Pennsylvania is positioned to take advantage of federal funding.
The program is championed by environmental and solar industry leaders, who support investments in green energy production. And leaders in labor – who have included the Pennsylvania Building and Construction Trades Council and the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO – applaud the program’s potential to create good-paying jobs and training programs for union workers in school communities that span across the state.
"We are pleased that districts across Pennsylvania are learning more about the landmark Solar for Schools program," said Katie Blume, political and legislative director for the Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania. "Solar for Schools demonstrates that investing in clean energy is a win for workers, taxpayers and the next generation. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with our partners in organized labor, and with environmental champions in the legislature, to continue to roll out solutions that fight climate change while creating economic opportunities for Pennsylvania communities."
“We have a very keen interest in joining efforts such as this, because we see this as a great opportunity to mold the energy future from here in Pennsylvania,” said Kris Anderson, Pennsylvania state coordinator, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. “It’s our hope that we can open students’ eyes to what the future of energy may look like and create an opportunity for them to obtain a family-sustaining career.”
“The Solar for Schools grant program will catapult our schools into the clean energy era, providing hands-on educational experiences and workforce development for the future leaders of tomorrow,” stated Shannon Crooker, Generation180 Pennsylvania director. “There’s never been a better time for Pennsylvania schools to go solar and save money with both state and federal incentives available. And Generation180 is ready to help them get started, with free technical assistance.”
Mandy Book, deputy secretary of business finance for the Department of Community and Economic Development, was in attendance to provide an overview of the recently released program guidelines.
The event was part of an ongoing Solar for Schools tour that aims to spread the word about the grant program and ensure school districts are prepared to apply.
Applications are set to open on Nov. 1.