Allegheny County Schools Set to Harness Solar Power Potential
Allegheny County schools are at the forefront of solar energy generation in Pennsylvania, as highlighted in a recent report by the environmental advocacy group PennEnvironment. The analysis indicates that if every school in the county installed rooftop solar panels, they could collectively generate enough electricity to power approximately 15,488 homes. This initiative has garnered attention from advocates, politicians, and school districts who believe it could significantly reduce air pollution from local power plants and ease financial pressures on school budgets.
The report, released on October 11, 2023, emphasizes the importance of developing solar infrastructure, especially as energy costs continue to rise. David Masur, executive director of PennEnvironment, noted the pressing need for such investments. “These are really good investments for the school districts because they, like the rest of us, likely will be facing increased electricity costs year in and year out going forward,” Masur stated. He further highlighted the urgency, mentioning that proposed data centers could place an enormous energy demand on the existing power grid.
In the previous year’s budget negotiations, the state of Pennsylvania allocated $25 million for solar projects in schools, resulting in funding for 73 projects statewide, including two in Pittsburgh. The state’s Department of Community and Economic Development awarded $600,000 to Pittsburgh Public Schools for solar installations at Carrick High School and Pittsburgh Classical Academy. According to Sanjeeb Manandhar, the district’s environmental sustainability manager, these solar panels are expected to offset long-term electricity costs by up to 65%. This savings can be redirected to benefit students, he explained.
The PennEnvironment report estimates that solar installations could save Allegheny County schools $21 million in the first year and over $44 million throughout their lifespan. The state’s Solar for Schools program has already awarded nearly $1.3 million to five schools in Allegheny County, leveraging a federal tax credit established under the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, which can cover up to 50% of district expenses for solar projects.
However, changes introduced by President Donald Trump‘s recent tax and spending bill have restricted this rebate. Schools can now only claim the credit if they commence construction before July 2026 or complete their projects by the end of 2027. Amelia Eggan with the PA Solar Center urged districts to act swiftly to capitalize on federal tax incentives. Eggan emphasized the necessity for state leaders to collaborate in creating financing opportunities for not only schools but also the public sector as a whole, promoting sustainable technologies as a means to achieve budget stability.
In his budget proposal, Governor Josh Shapiro requested an additional $25 million for the Solar for Schools program, although it remains uncertain if this will be approved amid ongoing budget negotiations. The potential impact of maximizing school rooftop solar across the state is significant, with estimates indicating a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 1.4 million tons annually. In Allegheny County specifically, advocates predict that the reduction in particle pollution linked to childhood asthma could amount to 1,190 pounds.
State Representative Arvind Venkat, whose district includes much of the North Hills, underscored the dual benefits of this initiative. “It’s a win for the people that I represent in terms of the cost that they would see based on the needs of their schools, and it’s a win for the population as a whole when it comes to the health of our communities,” he remarked.
As the push for solar energy in Allegheny County schools gains momentum, stakeholders are hopeful that enhanced solar infrastructure will not only foster environmental sustainability but also provide significant financial relief to educational institutions.
