Pennsylvania Schools Could Save Millions, Power Thousands of Homes with Solar Energy: New Report
DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. – A new study released by the PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center, in partnership with the McClure Company, reveals a significant chance for Pennsylvania school districts: ample cost savings and a boost to the state’s renewable energy capacity through the widespread adoption of solar power. The report, titled “Solar Schools for Pennsylvania,” demonstrates that installing solar panels on school buildings statewide could save taxpayers $342 million over the lifetime of the systems, while together generating enough electricity to power over 180,000 homes annually.
As students return to classrooms across the Commonwealth, the timing of the report underscores the potential for a win-win solution for both education and the environment.
the study highlights the success already being seen in districts that have embraced solar energy. The Steelton-Highspire School District, for example, projects savings of $4 million over the next 20 years thanks to its solar panel installation. Beyond simply reducing energy costs, the generated power is being utilized to power school facilities, charge electric school buses, and even provide a resilient backup power source – potentially transforming schools into emergency shelters when needed.
“Every school district has buildings with flat roofs, essentially unused space,” explained Willie Slade, Assistant Superintendent of Steelton-Highspire School District. “We can fill that space with solar panels, save the district a lot of money, and ultimately, save taxpayers money. It’s a no-brainer.”
PennEnvironment estimates that schools in Dauphin and Cumberland Counties alone could save over $10 million through solar panel implementation.
The “Solar Schools for Pennsylvania” report provides a compelling case for state and local leaders to prioritize investment in solar energy for schools,offering a pathway to lower costs,increased energy independence,and a more lasting future for Pennsylvania’s students and communities.
Keywords: Pennsylvania, solar energy, schools, renewable energy, cost savings, taxpayer savings, PennEnvironment, Steelton-Highspire School District, solar panels, energy efficiency, sustainability, electric buses.