Two schools in the Wyomissing Area School District will receive a combined $720,000 in state funding to install solar energy systems aimed at reducing electricity costs and lowering carbon emissions.
The funding was approved Tuesday by the Commonwealth Financing Authority through Pennsylvania’s Solar for Schools Grant Program, part of the Shapiro administration’s efforts to help schools invest in renewable energy while reducing long-term operating expenses.
The Wyomissing Area School District received two grants of $360,000 each:
- Wyomissing Area Junior Senior High School will receive a $360,000 grant, with projected average annual energy savings of $124,494.
- Wyomissing Hills Elementary Center will receive a $360,000 grant, with projected average annual energy savings of $92,448.
According to the state, the grants can be used to purchase and install solar panels, as well as cover related costs such as permit fees, energy storage systems and utility interconnection.
“Electricity bills are a major cost for school districts across the Commonwealth, often using significant parts of their budget,” Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger said. “Through programs like Solar for Schools, the Shapiro Administration is supporting schools by investing in long-term solutions that save money, create jobs, and improve the educational environment for all students.”
Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Jessica Shirley said the program benefits both schools and the environment.
“Solar for Schools is a win-win – it reduces costs for school districts on their energy bills, and reduces air pollution from electricity generation,” Shirley said. “These solar panels will generate electricity and give a visible way for students to see how the electricity that powers their school is made without air pollution.”
State officials said Governor Josh Shapiro secured $25 million for the Solar for Schools Grant Program as part of the 2026-27 state budget, within a broader $125 million investment for school infrastructure improvements.
Since taking office in 2023, the Shapiro administration said it has invested more than $24.2 million through the Solar for Schools Grant Program, supporting 82 schools across Pennsylvania.
Schools eligible to apply for the grants included school districts, intermediate units, area career and technical schools, charter schools, cyber charter schools, schools for the deaf or blind, and community colleges.