School leaders, education advocates tout success of bipartisan Solar for Schools program, encourage schools to apply
Philadelphia House Delegation May 5, 2026 | 12:43 PM
HARRISBURG, May 5 – On Monday, Pennsylvania school superintendents from across the state gathered in Harrisburg to celebrate the first successful year of the Solar for Schools program. The group was joined by education advocates who encouraged schools to apply for the bipartisan state grant program’s second year of funding.
“With electricity prices rising quickly, schools need a solution to reduce operating costs. The 74 K-12 schools awarded Solar for Schools grants last year expect to save more than $5 million in electricity costs annually. We urge our legislators to continue funding this successful grant program that enables our schools to invest in student learning rather than utility bills,” said Shannon Crooker, Pennsylvania director of Generation180.
In January, when the program reopened for applications, a bicameral, bipartisan group of legislators celebrated the program’s second year of funding. Solar for Schools legislation was originally introduced by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila.
“At its core, this project is about more than just energy. It’s about responsibility, innovation and opportunity,” said Willie Slade, superintendent of Steelton-Highspire School District. “As educators, our mission is to prepare students not just for the next test, but for the future they will inherit. That future demands that we think differently about how we use resources, how we care for our environment, and how we equip young people with the skills and knowledge to lead.”
Last year, in the first round, schools in 23 counties across Pennsylvania received Solar for Schools grants to install ground or roof-mounted solar panels. The program is specifically designed with three designated regions to ensure funds are distributed across the Commonwealth.
“For the Community College of Philadelphia, implementing energy-saving upgrades is much more than fiscal responsibility. The Solar for Schools initiative affirms our commitment to environmental justice and educational equity and underscores the need for public institutions to lead by example in the face of climate change,” said Dr. Shannon McLoughlin Rooney, vice president for enrollment management and strategic communications at Community College of Philadelphia. “Solar for Schools reflects the values we aim to instill in all of our 18,000+ students: innovation, social responsibility and a commitment to improve our hometown.”
As energy prices rise nationwide, schools are struggling to keep up with utility costs, which are already their second-highest expense after payroll. Going solar has many benefits for school districts and taxpayers. Solar projects could save schools an estimated $342 million over the lifetime of the systems which would prevent school districts from needing to raise taxes in order to keep up with rising costs.
“At Exeter, we aren’t just looking at those numbers—we are living them,” said Christy Haller, Exter School District superintendent. “Our newly approved solar farm at our Owatin Creek Elementary school is projected to save our taxpayers more than $10 million over the next 30 years. By generating 40% of the electricity needed for seven of our buildings and our transportation garage, we are effectively insulating our district against the rising costs of energy and the pressures of inflation.”
State grants cover 50% of the costs associated with installation. Because schools own the panels outright, they don’t need to pay for leasing fees.
“There aren’t many capital projects that include this kind of potential long-term savings for school districts. Not only does this project make sense financially, it is also sustainable. Newport School District will be able to produce its own energy, further limiting the strain on our community’s utility needs,” said Ryan Neuhard, Newport School District superintendent.
Solar for Schools has also been championed by labor unions, environmental groups, teachers’ unions and faith-based organizations.
“The Solar for Schools grants are a win-win-win-win for our schools, our teachers, our students and our communities,” said AFT Pennsylvania President Wendy G. Coleman. “With the second round of funding for Solar for Schools secured, even more schools, districts and communities will soon have the opportunity to reap the incredible benefits. These are the types of creative and sustainable solutions that Pennsylvanians deserve, and we call on the General Assembly to continue funding Solar for Schools in the upcoming budget.”
Benefits of the program go beyond cost savings. Many schools intend to incorporate their solar projects into academic curricula. Bloomsburg Area School District said it plans to circulate findings about its solar project through a student capstone project, while Erie County Technical School plans to involve students in the installation and maintenance of its panels, preparing them for a future in the energy sector.
“The Solar for Schools Grant will have a lasting positive impact on Carlisle students by connecting science, economics and civic responsibility in meaningful ways. Its thorough and well-structured process also equips districts to efficiently plan for and achieve their solar energy goals,” said Mike Statler, director of business and operations at the Carlisle Area School District.
Slade also described Steelton-Highspire's solar project as a “living laboratory” that aligns directly with the district’s efforts to expand STEM and career and technical education.
Many of the first year Solar for Schools projects are underway or expect to be completed by the end of this year. Applications are still open for the second round of funding. Schools interested in applying can learn more at www.pahouse.com/Fiedler/Solar4Schools.
A recording of this press conference can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/live/o-19ZYvTbjY.