Solar for Schools Grant Program (S4S)

Overview

The Solar for Schools Grant Program is established pursuant to the act of Jul 17, 2024 (P.L.813, No. 68) known as the Solar for Schools Act. This program seeks to reduce the cost of implementing solar energy systems into schools across the Commonwealth. In order to accomplish this goal, the Department of Community and Economic Development has established a grant program that school districts, intermediate units, charter schools including cyber, regional, and a school for education of the deaf or the blind, area career and technical schools, specific trade and technical schools, and community colleges can use to fund solar energy projects. These grants will aid in the purchase and installation of equipment, permit fees, energy storage, and utility interconnection.

Eligibility
  • School Districts
  • Intermediate Unit
  • Area Career and Technical Schools
  • Charter Schools
  • Cyber Charter Schools
  • 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
Funding

Grant maximums shall be determined according to the following:

Applicant Market Value/Personal Income Aid Ratio (MV/PI AR)*
Maximum Eligible Grant Amount
MV/PI AR ≥ .7 The lesser of $600,000 or 50% of project cost
.7 > MV/PI AR ≥ .5 The lesser of $480,000 or 40% of project cost
.5 > MV/PI AR The lesser of $360,000 or 30% of project cost

* MV/PI AR amounts determined by Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Grant maximums for any entity that is not assigned an MV/PI AR will be based on the ratio of the school district where their project site is located.

Funds Available by Region

Region 1
Region 2
Region 3
$10,731,978 $8,633,334 $9,250,607

Additional Information
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