McClinton announces $500,000 for William Penn SD’s Park Lane Elementary
State House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, is applauding the William Penn School District for its selection for a $500,000 grant for a solar panel project at Park Lane Elementary School, which will help lower energy costs and reduce carbon pollution.
Rep. Joanna E. McClinton May 23, 2025
DARBY, May 23 – State House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, is applauding the William Penn School District for its selection for a $500,000 grant for a solar panel project at Park Lane Elementary School, which will help lower energy costs and reduce carbon pollution.
“This Solar for Schools grant is another wise investment in the William Penn School District,” McClinton said. “Not only will it reduce energy costs for years but will empower the district to redirect those savings to initiatives to boost student achievement and academic opportunity. This is an investment we are making today but will pay dividends for years to come.”
The Solar for Schools program was designed and approved by the General Assembly in 2024 as an innovative way to simultaneously tackle the issues of school funding, rising utility costs, and climate change. The program garnered widespread support in the legislature, and the earned the backing of labor unions, education advocates, industry leaders, and environmental groups. Estimates indicate that solar installations can save school districts millions of dollars over the life of one project.
Solar for Schools is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and funded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority. Program grants help schools to cover the purchase and installation of equipment, permit fees, energy storage, and utility interconnection.