Solar for Schools Grant Program (S4S)

The Solar for Schools Grant Program was created under the Solar for Schools Act (Act of July 17, 2024, P.L. 813, No. 68) and is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). Its primary objective is to help educational institutions across the Commonwealth reduce the cost barriers associated with adopting solar energy technologies. By promoting the use of photovoltaic and solar thermal energy systems, the program aims to advance renewable energy goals, modernize energy infrastructure at schools, and ultimately decrease operational costs for educational institutions. The grant funds are intended to support both the purchase and installation of solar energy systems, as well as related components such as energy storage, site preparation, and utility interconnection. Eligible applicants include a wide range of educational institutions. Specifically, the program is open to school districts, intermediate units, area career and technical schools, charter schools—including cyber and regional charters—a chartered school for the education of the deaf or blind, community colleges, the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, and the Pennsylvania College of Technology. Projects must be located at a school facility as defined by the program and must include a solar facility site assessment by a qualified provider. However, grantees may not contract with the same provider that completed the assessment to execute the installation, ensuring an unbiased evaluation process. The allowable uses of grant funds include expenses directly associated with implementing a solar energy system, such as the purchase and installation of equipment, storage systems, and related design or engineering costs (capped at 10% of the grant amount). Additional eligible uses include administrative costs (up to 2%), permit and legal fees, and professional services. Notably, the program prohibits use of funds for financing fees, lobbying, penalties, or costs incurred before official approval. The maximum grant amount is tied to an applicant’s Market Value/Personal Income Aid Ratio (MV/PI AR), which is a measure determined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Based on this ratio, applicants can receive up to $600,000 or 50% of the project cost, whichever is less, with tiered caps for lower aid ratios. Applications are submitted via DCED’s Single Application for Assistance portal at grants.pa.gov. Required materials include a comprehensive project description, funding commitment letters from all sources, curriculum plans, site maps, solar facility and roof assessments, formal resolutions, planning letters for ground-mounted systems, utility support letters, and documentation of qualification for federal tax incentives if applicable. Projects will be competitively evaluated based on feasibility, readiness, energy impact, proximity to decommissioned coal plants, domestic sourcing of materials, and the integration of solar projects into educational curricula. Program funds are allocated across three distinct regions in Pennsylvania to ensure geographic equity. The grant timeline involves submitting an online application, electronic issuance of a grant agreement upon approval, and submission of certified payment request forms with supporting documentation. Approved applicants must sign the grant agreement within 30 days. Payments require up to 45 days to process. All grantees must maintain full records and comply with prevailing wage laws. The program is recurring, and while the current deadline has passed, the next cycle is anticipated to begin in January 2027. For inquiries, applicants may contact the Office of Business Finance and Workforce Development, CFA Programs Division, at (717) 787-6245 or via email at [email protected].

Prioritize educational integration, readiness of site, U.S.-made equipment, and project proximity to former coal plants.