Pa.’s Solar for Schools renewed with $25M in new funds, marking 3rd consecutive year of investment
Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus July 15, 2026 | 12:18 PM
HARRISBURG, July 15 – Pennsylvania’s popular Solar for Schools grant program was renewed for a third year in a row as part of the 2026-27 state budget, with $25 million in new funding allotted for it this year.
The program represents a major public investment in clean energy that also delivers financial savings for schools, intermediate units and community colleges. It was introduced by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., in 2024 and enjoys bipartisan support.
"I’m so thrilled that more school districts will soon be able to bring home the transformational benefits of solar energy! This would not be possible without the support of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle and many, many advocates,” Fiedler said. “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.”
More than 45 school districts across the commonwealth have already received funding to construct solar panels. The earliest awardees are now preparing to break ground as early as this summer.
For the first time, school districts will be permitted to enter into power-purchase agreements (PPAs) with solar developers, which will allow schools to pursue solar arrays quickly and without up-front costs. The developer then installs and maintains the panels while locking the school district into a low rate for the energy they generate, insulating them from rising costs.
Additionally, applicants can now receive grants that cover up to 75% of their total project cost, up from the original cap of 50%.
The program is the result of a years-long effort to unite labor and environmental partners in Harrisburg through the Blue-Green Caucus. Clean energy projects are a natural intersection for the groups, which prioritize new, union-built infrastructure and the expansion of renewable energy, respectively.
"More solar doesn't just mean more energy, it means more union jobs for Pennsylvania's skilled trades, who install and maintain these panels year-round,” said Rob Bair, president of the PA Building and Construction Trades Council. “The legislature has made a smart choice to keep this program alive for a third year and help push Pennsylvania's workforce to the forefront of the clean energy sector."
“The bipartisan popularity of the Solar for Schools program – and its track record of success – speaks for itself. Rightfully so, Pennsylvania has invested an additional $25 million in the 26-27 budget to further grow the program and provide increased flexibility in grant spending. Solar for Schools continues to deliver family-sustaining jobs, increased access to clean, affordable energy, and lower costs for families and school districts across the commonwealth,” said Robert Routh, Pennsylvania policy director for Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).
“The highly skilled men and women of the IBEW are proud to be a key part of these solar installations across the state. In addition to jobs for our members, Solar for Schools creates tremendous opportunities to save schools money and create hands-on training opportunities for the next generation of workers. We are proud to have supported the program since the beginning and look forward to another successful year of installing solar at schools across PA,” said Kris Anderson, international representative for the IBEW's Third District.
"We are pleased that investment in the Solar for Schools program has been included in this year's budget. At a time of skyrocketing electricity prices, these investments are more important than ever and provide an important tool that helps schools lower their utility costs while creating union jobs and cleaning our air. Harrisburg must build on the successes of Solar for Schools by expanding access to cheaper clean-energy options that will lower the energy costs of working families across our commonwealth,” said Molly Parzen, executive director of Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania.
“By renewing the Solar for Schools grant program, lawmakers are walking the walk – making sure PA children have the chance to learn in a healthy, modern school environment powered by clean, affordable energy. Pennsylvania is a shining example of tapping the power of solar energy–investing in a better future for our children’s health and learning, reducing costs for schools, and saving taxpayer dollars over time,” said Shannon Crooker, Pennsylvania director for Generation180.
“We applaud Rep. Fiedler and the General Assembly for including additional funds for the Solar for Schools program and for expanding it to power purchase agreements that allow schools to go solar with no money down," said Sharon Pillar, executive director of the Pennsylvania Solar Center. "Our technical assistance program has seen an increased interest from schools to save money with solar and stabilize energy costs, and the grant program is transformational to realizing this goal.”
Federal incentives for the development of clean energy have been rolled back, and as a result, it is more important than ever for state governments to step in and lead on renewables. Solar for Schools is a rare program that demonstrates the bipartisan cooperation possible to invest in solar energy in Pennsylvania.
"The Solar for Schools program demonstrates what can happen when state and local leaders work together toward a common goal. By helping districts reduce long-term operating costs, these investments strengthen public education while providing meaningful value to taxpayers,” said Dr. Christy Haller, superintendent of the Exeter Township School District.
The grant program is administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development, which is currently accepting applications on a rolling basis. For more information and to apply, schools can visit the Solar for Schools page.