Conklin urges area schools to apply for ‘Solar for Schools’ grant
Rep. Scott Conklin November 15, 2024 | 1:14 PM
STATE COLLEGE, Nov. 15 – Citing cost savings, cleaner energy and jobs, state Rep. Scott Conklin is encouraging school districts and other eligible public schools in Centre County to apply for the state’s recently opened Solar for PA Schools Grant Program.
Conklin, who co-sponsored legislation to establish the program, said schools can obtain state grants covering up to 50% of project costs and that federal assistance under the Inflation Reduction Act can reduce those costs even further, resulting in a minimal investment that yields huge benefits.
“Solar can be a great money-saver for our schools,” Conklin said. “Converting or partially converting school buildings to solar power helps the bottom line by lowering energy costs – which are among the largest expenses school districts face – and making those costs more predictable. Other schools that have installed solar technology are already saving money, which they’re able to invest back into the classroom.
“Beyond cutting costs and saving energy, solar power increases our production of renewable energy and brings cleaner air and other environmental benefits by cutting carbon emissions. These projects also create family sustaining jobs and offer new learning opportunities for students. It’s a winning proposition all around. Now that the program is open and accepting applications, I strongly urge our school districts to apply.”
The program is administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development and provides grants to assist with the purchase and installation of equipment, permit fees, energy storage, and utility interconnection.
Eligible entities include school districts, intermediate units, area career and technical schools, charter schools, cyber charter schools, chartered schools for the education of the deaf or blind and community colleges. Nonpublic or parochial schools are not eligible.
Conklin said additional information is available at this page: https://dced.pa.gov/programs/solar-for-schools-grant-program-s4s/. Applications will be accepted through Jan. 31, 2025.
Conklin was a co-sponsor of the legislation, which was introduced by state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler. The bill passed the General Assembly and was signed into law in July as Act No. 68 of 2024.