Pennsylvania: Solar For Schools Bill Signed into Law
July 26, 2024
On July 17, Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro signed HB 1023, also known as Act 68, into law. Act 68 went into effect immediately and establishes a grant program to help schools fund solar panels for the school’s energy needs. The program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), will issue grants to eligible schools to cover the costs of purchasing, installing, and other related expenses for the panels.
The $25 million fund will be distributed through the existing Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Public School Facility Improvement Program. All public and charter schools as well as community colleges and technical schools in Pennsylvania are eligible to apply for the grants. The DCED will develop a rubric to prioritize grant awards, considering factors such as geographical dispersion of grants, whether the applicant seeks funding under the Inflation Reduction Act, proximity to coal-powered plants, projected solar energy production, eligibility for the Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program, and the domestic production of equipment.
This Eckert Seamans Energy & Utilities Blog is intended to keep readers current on matters affecting businesses and is not intended to be legal advice. If you have any questions please contact Sarah Stoner at 717.237.6026 or sstoner@eckertseamans.com.
**This Energy & Utilities Blog post was authored by Harrisburg Summer Associate, Morgan Sandler.