HARRISBURG – Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35) today announced the awarding of state funding to help two school districts pay for solar energy projects.
In Cambria County, the Cambria Heights School District will receive $437,522 to install a 358-kilowatt, roof-mounted system at Cambria Heights Elementary School. Solar for School funds will be used for purchase and installation of equipment, as well as engineering, administrative, operations and maintenance costs. The system will result in an average annual savings of $58,989 and the total project cost is $875,044.
In Centre County, the State College Area School District will receive $300,000 to install a 630-kilowatt photovoltaic system on the roof of Park Forest Middle School. Solar for Schools funds will be used for the purchase and installation of equipment. The average annual savings to the school district is $79,095 and the total project cost is $1.1 million.
“Solar energy can help school districts reduce their energy costs and save taxpayer dollars,” said Langerholc. “I’m pleased to help secure funding that will allow schools to cover upfront costs for projects that will provide long-term savings.”
The grants were awarded through the Solar for Schools Grant Program, created by lawmakers in 2024 and funded through the 2024-25 budget. The grants will help schools cover the cost of purchasing and installing equipment, as well as permit fees, energy storage and utility interconnection.
The funding was approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development that administers many of Pennsylvania’s economic development and community improvement programs.
CONTACTS: Gwenn Dando