Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Fiedler celebrates first awardees of Solar for Schools in its second year; School District of Philadelphia to bring solar to three school buildings

Fiedler celebrates first awardees of Solar for Schools in its second year; School District of Philadelphia to bring solar to three school buildings

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    June 4, 2026 | 1:01 PM

PHILADELPHIA, June 4 – The PA Department of Community and Economic Development recently announced a more than $1.9 million investment in five Pennsylvania schools through the Solar for Schools grant program. State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., who introduced the Solar for Schools legislation, celebrated the announcement.

“We saw overwhelming demand in the first year of Solar for Schools, with schools requesting more than three times the funding available. I am so glad we have another opportunity this year to award funding to even more schools.” said Fiedler. “From right in my South Philly district all the way to Elk County, these awards show us that what connects Pennsylvania schools is the desire to do right by their communities and invest in their future.”

"We are thrilled to celebrate the first round of the 2026 PA Solar for Schools grant program awards! This is a big win for clean energy, education, and local communities across Pennsylvania. We encourage more schools to apply as the DCED is accepting applications on a rolling basis. Every dollar a school district spends on a utility bill is a dollar that is NOT going toward a teacher's salary, a new library, or updated technology for our students," said Shannon Crooker, Generation180's Pennsylvania director.

As energy prices rise nationwide, schools are struggling to keep up with utility costs, which are already their second-highest expense after payroll. Going solar has many benefits for school districts and taxpayers. Solar projects could save schools an estimated $342 million over the lifetime of the systems, which would prevent school districts from needing to raise taxes in order to keep up with rising costs.

“Solar energy is a win-win for the School District of Philadelphia. It provides the opportunity to lower costs and reduce our environmental footprint,” said Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. “Every dollar our schools can save through lower electricity costs is a dollar we can invest to continue accelerating student achievement.”

Solar for Schools was enacted in 2024 and is now in its second year of funding. The program has a chance to be funded for a third year in the 2026-27 state budget.

Applications for this year’s Solar for Schools grant are currently open and will remain open until funds are exhausted. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

“One of the biggest challenges for schools is the cost to operate. Every dollar spent on rising utility costs is a dollar not spent inside the classroom,” said Sabrina Backer, president of the Pennsylvania School Boards Association. “That’s why we continue to encourage our members to take advantage of the Solar for Schools grant program. This program creates a real opportunity by covering the cost of solar equipment, installation, and maintenance.”

Schools can visit www.pahouse.com/Fiedler/Solar4Schools to learn more about applying.