Categories: LocalNews

Sunny days ahead: ‘Solar for Schools’ bill approved by PA General Assembly

Schools across Pennsylvania can now receive free assistance in applying for funds for solar enhancements.

Pennsylvania’s General Assembly and Gov. Josh Shapiro recently passed ‘Solar for Schools,’ a bill that aims to fund solar energy projects throughout Pennsylvania, including public K-12 schools, community colleges, and career technical schools. In addition to the passing of this bill, $25 million from the state budget will be utilized to fund the program to allow schools to transition to solar energy.

Schools can access funds through the GET Solar Schools program, which is led by the Pennsylvania Solar Center, a nonprofit that aims to provide trusted guidance and help Pennsylvanians enter a clean energy economy.

According to the PA Solar Center, roughly 5 percent of Pennsylvania schools have already gone solar, offsetting between 65% and 110% of their previous energy costs per year. Some have even eliminated their energy bills, and receive revenue for excess energy that they reinvest back into their classrooms.

For those who haven’t yet made the switch, the passing of this bill will provide access to state solar funds. Many schools face budgetary challenges that discourage them from making the transition to solar, but under this program, schools will be able to make the switch with no money down.

Additionally, the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) gives schools the opportunity to partner with eligible developers. The GET Solar Schools program will assist schools as they bid their projects to those developers.

As schools cannot directly receive the tax benefits, the IRA may also allow them and other exempt entities to receive a direct payment for solar purchases. Schools located in low-income communities and solar equipment made and installed through US labor are eligible to receive additional benefits.

“School districts across the Commonwealth now have another important tool to help fund crucially needed services,” said State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, who sponsored the Solar for Schools legislation. “And by going solar, they’ll do so while creating good jobs, lowering costs for taxpayers, and protecting the planet. This is truly a win-win-win-win-win.”

In addition to assisting schools in obtaining access to funds, GET Solar Schools provides technical assistance to schools at no cost to help them understand what solar energy can do for them and their community. GET Solar Schools will also help schools understand the estimated savings in switching and their financing options to facilitate the transition.

Zach Ciavolella

Digital Editor at Metro Philadelphia and Philadelphia 76ers Managing Editor and Beat Reporter for Philly Sports Network. Philly born, Jersey raised. Grateful every day to serve the Philadelphia area.