Pennsylvania Schools Receive $22.6M for Solar Panel Installations

Solar Energy Initiative Boosts Pennsylvania Schools with $22.6 Million Investment

Today’s Solar for Schools funding approvals through the Commonwealth Financing Authority will help Commonwealth schools install solar panels to lower energy costs and reduce carbon pollution — ensuring more resources go to our students and teachers.

Harrisburg, PA – An exciting development in Pennsylvania’s educational landscape is the announcement of a significant investment aimed at promoting renewable energy. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger has revealed that more than $22.6 million will be directed to 74 schools across the state through the Solar for Schools Grant Program. This initiative, funded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA), aims to help schools cover costs related to solar equipment, permits, and more.

Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration is advancing its commitment to renewable energy through the Solar for Schools program, which forms part of a broader energy plan. This initiative not only aims to produce clean energy but also promises job creation and cost reduction for residents. The state’s bipartisan 2024-2025 budget has already set aside $25 million for these grants, and the Governor is advocating for a similar allocation in the 2025-2026 budget proposal.

“Energy is one of the top expenses for schools, which is why investments in solar energy can help to maintain long-term financial stability and improve the quality of education they offer students,” said Secretary Siger. “Those savings can then be channeled into more resources for our teachers and students, and also create good-paying clean-energy jobs and job training opportunities.”

Eligible institutions for these grants included a broad range of educational entities such as school districts, charter schools, community colleges, and technical schools across Pennsylvania.

“Schools across Pennsylvania face tight budgets, and energy costs are one additional expense among a myriad of others,” said Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe. “The Solar for Schools program helps ease that burden, allowing school leaders to reinvest savings directly into student learning, teacher support, and school resources. At the same time, these projects turn school buildings into living laboratories where students gain real-world experience in clean energy technology. Whether it’s through hands-on STEM education or technical training in solar installation and maintenance, this initiative prepares students for in-demand careers and helps ensure Pennsylvania’s workforce is ready to lead in the 21st Century economy.”

For a detailed list of the 74 approved projects and the associated investments, visit the CFA website:

• Cambria County: $437,522 to the Cambria Heights School District for a rooftop solar array on the Cambria Heights Elementary School. Estimated savings are $57,570 annually on utilities, operations, and maintenance.
• Dauphin County: $446,363 to the Steelton-Highspire School District for high-efficiency solar panels, aiming to cut energy costs and emissions while fostering job opportunities in installation and maintenance. This project will also include renewable energy curriculum integration.
• Erie County: $400,000 to the Erie County Technical School to aid in completing a solar project, enhancing energy independence, and serving as a teaching tool for renewable energy education.
• Luzerne County: $400,000 to the Hanover Area School District to install solar panels at the high school, projecting a 78% energy cost reduction and education for over 2,300 students on renewable energy.
• Philadelphia County: $329,323 to the Community College of Philadelphia for a 305-kilowatt solar system on two Main Campus buildings, expected to save $925,222 in energy costs over 25 years.

Additionally, the CFA approved guidelines for the Mixed Use Revitalization Program (MRP), supporting developers in economic growth projects that integrate commercial and residential spaces. The application period opens June 1, 2025, and runs through August 31, 2025.

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