Pennsylvania has renewed its Solar for Schools grant program for a third consecutive year as part of the 2026-27 state budget, allocating $25 million in new funding to help school districts, intermediate units, and community colleges install solar energy systems.
More than 45 school districts across the Commonwealth have already received funding through the program, with the earliest awardees preparing to break ground this summer.
For the first time, school districts will be permitted to enter into power purchase agreements (PPAs) with solar developers, allowing schools to pursue solar arrays quickly and without upfront costs. Additionally, grants can now cover up to 75% of total project costs, up from the original cap of 50%.
The program was introduced by Representative Elizabeth Fiedler in 2024 and has maintained bipartisan support throughout its three years. It is administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development, which is currently accepting applications on a rolling basis.
“Our schools are not exempt from the affordability crisis facing Pennsylvania. My hope is that Solar for Schools offers a tool to help them combat rising, unpredictable energy costs and put the money toward what matters most: educating our young people,” said Fielder, in a statement.
The renewal comes as federal incentives for clean energy development have been rolled back, making state-level investment increasingly important. Solar for Schools is funded through the Blue-Green Caucus, a coalition of labor and environmental partners focused on union-built clean energy infrastructure.
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