HARRISBURG – Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49) today announced that Erie County Technical School has been awarded a $400,000 Solar for Schools grant to support the installation of a large-scale solar energy system on its campus.
The grant, awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, will assist with the purchase and installation of a 500,000-kW ground-mounted photovoltaic system, helping to significantly reduce energy costs and promote long-term sustainability at the school. The project is expected to save the school approximately $62,172 annually in energy costs.
“This will benefit both our schools and our future,” Laughlin said. “By supporting clean energy solutions like this, we’re helping schools lower operational costs and reinvest those savings into classrooms and students – all while promoting energy independence.”
The total cost of the project is $1.2 million, with Erie County Technical School committing $818,000 in matching funds. The Solar for Schools funding will cover equipment purchases, installation and administrative costs associated with the project.
The Solar for Schools Grant Program was created by Act 68 of 2024 and funded through the 2024-25 state budget, with $25 million available statewide to assist eligible school entities with solar energy projects.
More information about the Solar for Schools Grant Program can be found here.
CONTACT: Chris Carroll