READING, PA — Amidst the clamor of school bells and the hustle of hallway traffic, a quiet revolution is unfolding in schools across the Keystone State. Pennsylvania K-12 schools have tripled their solar installations in the last decade, bringing the state’s education system to the forefront of the clean energy movement, according to Generation180’s latest report, “Powering a Brighter Future in Pennsylvania, Second Edition.”
This non-profit organization, which champions the transition to renewable energy, noted a substantial leap in solar capacity, which grew from 14 megawatts (MW) to approximately 39 MW. To put this in context, it’s enough power to feed the electricity consumption of well over 6,500 homes.
But why is this important?
Schools are microcosms of our society — they reflect our values, shape our future leaders, and are barometers of societal shifts. Overcoming the barriers of initial cost and change, these schools have harnessed the sun’s power to become self-sustaining entities while offering students first-hand lessons on sustainability.
Yet, there’s plenty of room for growth. Despite the current trend in solar adoption, less than 2% of Pennsylvania’s 6,000 K-12 schools currently generate their own solar power. Imagine the potential if they decided to “go solar.”
Take, for example, the Steelton-Highspire School District (SHSD), which reaped $10 million in energy savings and used the windfall to balance its budget. The district operates solely on its 1.7 MW solar array, which is forecasted to culminate in $4 million in energy savings over the next 20 years.
Fueling this solar revolution are state funding programs that have made it easier for schools to tap into solar power. They have provided grants or low-cost loans for solar projects at 53 schools — almost half of the 114 K-12 schools using solar energy statewide.
However, this financial support hasn’t been consistent. State Representative Elizabeth Fiedler recently introduced the Solar for Schools Act (HB1032), which aims to cement a consistent state funding source. Alongside this, federal funding opportunities created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) could bolster schools’ solar initiatives.
These financial incentives have the power to democratize clean energy, making it accessible for more schools to add solar arrays at little to no cost, and to start saving money within years. This initiative is even beginning to make headway in the far-flung corners of Pennsylvania, such as the Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center (GJCTC), the first school in western Pennsylvania to fully power its electricity usage with onsite solar energy.
The benefits of this solar surge stretch beyond mere economics. Schools going solar not only cuts utility bills and reduces carbon footprints but also creates a platform for students to learn about renewable energy, instilling a culture of sustainability in the next generation.
The transformation of Pennsylvania schools to solar isn’t just about brightening classrooms; it’s about creating a brighter, sustainable future for the students at the core of this evolving educational landscape. With an ongoing commitment to solar power, Pennsylvania schools are leading the way in shaping a greener, brighter, and more sustainable future in the realm of education.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.