Pa. bill to get solar power in schools heads to Shapiro’s desk

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — A bill focused on creating grants for solar power in schools is headed to Governor Shapiro’s desk.

House Bill 1032 , introduced by Representative Elizabeth Fiedler (D-Philadelphia), proposed a “Pennsylvania Solar for Schools Grant Program” which would issue grants to school districts, intermediate unties, career and technical schools and community colleges to fund solar energy projects. The grants would cover the costs of the purchase and installation of equipment, permit fees, energy storage, and utility interconnection.

The Department of Community and Economic Development will administer the program as well as provide technical assistance to schools and help them access additional funding opportunities through the federal Inflation Reduction Act.

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“Solar-generated electricity is already the cheapest electricity in history, and in states that have supported solar projects, schools districts are already benefiting,” Fiedler wrote in her memorandum. “With the savings, districts in PA could reduce the tax burden and schools could invest in more teachers, support staff, and educational programming. In addition to all those benefits, solar school projects reduce carbon emissions and create family-sustaining jobs.”

The bill passed both the Pennsylvania House and Senate and is now headed to Governor Shapiro’s desk to be signed into law.

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