Scanlon, Southeast Delegation join Fiedler to applaud signing of Solar for Schools
Rep. Lisa Borowski September 10, 2024 | 12:10 PM
MEDIA, Sept. 10 -- U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Delaware/Chester/Montgomery, state Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, and other members of the PA House Democratic Southeast Delegation celebrated the recent enactment of state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler’s Solar for Schools program Monday morning.
Solar for Schools is a new state grant program designed to help school districts across Pennsylvania install solar panels on school grounds or roofs. The grants will cover up to 50% of the cost of solar projects for schools and can be paired with federal funding available through the Inflation Reduction Act.
“My colleagues and I in Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act. This provides incentives for schools, nonprofits, and houses of worship to deploy wind, solar, and other renewable energy technologies to generate clean electricity,” Scanlon said. “I'm so excited that decades after I was on the school board, our state legislature, led by Representative Fiedler, stepped up and took this really important step so our school districts can do renovations, implement solar energy and other clean energy options, and reap the savings of those options. The IRA is an essential step, but it can’t be the last step.”
"Solar for Schools is not just an opportunity to bring clean energy and good jobs to our school communities. It’s an innovative way to pair state and federal funds to benefit Pennsylvania’s students,” Fiedler said. “I’m grateful to my colleagues who helped pass the bill through the legislature, and to those at the federal level who worked hard to pass the IRA and secure funds for these game-changing projects.”
Energy is the second-highest cost for schools, behind staffing. By generating their own solar energy, districts can save millions of dollars over the life of a project, allowing them to free funds that could be used on educational resources, staff, and student programming.
“Our public schools, community colleges, and career and technical schools are powering the future of Pennsylvania. It just makes sense that they are powered in a sustainable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective way. I want to thank the governor and all of our partners in the state legislature, U.S. Congress, environmental community, and labor for making this a reality. When students and families see that their schools are powered by solar, it shows that we are putting their future and the future of our planet first,” said state Sen. Carolyn Comitta, D-Chester, who introduced companion legislation in the PA Senate.
“Concerns about the environment are top-of-mind for the young adults in our community. Solar for Schools demonstrates we are taking their concerns seriously and doing what we can to make positive change. It will also mean savings for taxpayers as solar can substantially lower school energy costs…a win for our communities on so many levels,” said state Rep. Lisa Borowski, D-Delaware.
“This program creates family-sustaining union jobs, helps our commonwealth meet its climate goals, and has the potential to help school districts save hundreds of thousands of dollars so they can invest in what matters most – our students. Embracing the Solar for Schools program is more than just a step toward reducing our environmental impact—it’s a commitment to building a sustainable future that benefits everyone,” said O’Mara.
The program united a broad coalition of environmental and labor leaders, who are excited about its potential to create jobs, prepare the next generation of workers for careers in solar installation, and reduce environmental impact.
"Solar for Schools presents an important opportunity to demonstrate to Pennsylvanians across our commonwealth that the clean energy revolution is here and will help their communities," said Jess Cadorette, director of civic engagement for Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania and PennFuture. "This innovative program will leverage federal investments under the Biden-Harris climate agenda to increase access to clean energy while creating union jobs and lowering energy costs across Delaware County and all of Pennsylvania.
“IBEW 654 supports the Solar for Schools legislation because it supports the safe, productive and sustainable growth of renewable energy systems in Pennsylvania. We support creating good paying, family sustaining jobs in our communities,” said Bill Adams, president and assistant business manager for IBEW Local 654.
The media event was part of an ongoing Solar for Schools tour that aims to highlight energy and financial needs at schools, spread the word about the grant program, and ensure school districts are prepared to apply.