Solar for schools

Local education agencies in Pennsylvania have a unique opportunity to leverage both state and federal initiatives to significantly reduce the cost of eligible solar energy projects.

The “Solar for Schools” Grant Program, administered by the PA Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED), is available to Pennsylvania public schools, intermediate units, career and technical schools, charter schools, cyber charter schools, community colleges and certain chartered schools for the education of the deaf or blind. The Solar for Schools Grant will cover up to 50% of the total cost of solar energy projects. Combined with federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credits, this can lead to substantial savings.

Eligible projects include those at school facilities (owned by an eligible applicant) where photovoltaic or solar thermal devices convert, transfer or store energy into usable forms of thermal or electric energy. Solar for Schools grant funds may be used for:

• Site preparation for ground-mounted systems
• Engineering, design and inspection costs (not to exceed 10% of the grant amount)
• Purchase and installation of eligible equipment
• Energy storage costs for energy produced by the solar energy system
• Operation and maintenance contracts offered by the installer for the first two years
• Administrative costs, permit fees and professional services (not to exceed 2% of the grant amount)
• Other costs as approved by DCED

Grant awards will be determined based on an Applicant Market Value/Personal Income Ratio, with awards ranging from the lesser of $500,000 or 50% of the project cost to $300,000 or 30% of the project cost. 

Solar for Schools is a competitive grant process. DCED opened the application window on November 1, 2024, and will accept applications through Jan. 31, 2025. The initial $25,000,000 has been allocated evenly across three regions in Pennsylvania, with the potential for additional funding in future budget years.

When combined with federal Inflation Reduction Act opportunities, schools could see significant savings on eligible solar energy projects.

IRA overview