The Solar for Schools Grant Program helps reduce the cost of installing solar energy systems at eligible school facilities across Pennsylvania.
Donor Name: Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)
State: Pennsylvania
City: Selected Cities
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 12/31/2026
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
Funding can support purchasing and installing solar equipment, certain design/engineering and professional costs, energy storage, and utility interconnection-related needs. To qualify, the proposed solar project must be a “Solar Energy Project” at a “School Facility” (an educational building and surrounding premises owned by the eligible applicant) and must complete a successful Solar Facility Site Assessment.
Funding Information
Award floor is $500,000.
Eligible Projects
- Funds may be used for the eligible types of projects listed below subject to the approval of the Department:
- Solar Energy Project – A project at a school facility related to photovoltaic or solar thermal devices that convert, transfer or store solar energy in or into usable forms of thermal or electric energy. In order to qualify for the program, the project must undergo a successful Solar Facility Site Assessment.
Uses of Funds
- Grant Funds may be used for the costs outlined below that are directly related to the Solar Energy Project:
- Purchase and installation of equipment.
- Energy storage costs directly related to the storage of electricity produced by the solar energy system.
- Related engineering, design, and inspection costs. (Not to exceed 10% of the grant amount.)
- Site preparation for ground mounted systems.
- Administrative costs, permit fees, legal costs, and expenses for other professional services. (Not to exceed 2% of the grant amount.)
- Any other costs associated with the Solar Energy Project, at the discretion of the Department.
Eligibility Criteria
Any of the following entities may apply for a grant under the Solar for Schools Grant Program:
- A school entity as defined in the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, including:
- School District
- Intermediate Unit
- Area Career and Technical School
- Charter School
- Cyber Charter School
- Regional Charter School
- A Chartered School for the Education of the Deaf or Blind
- A Community College
- The Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
- The Pennsylvania College of Technology.
For more information, visit DCED.
