Solar Technical Assistance for Pennsylvania Schools
Generation180 provides free solar technical support to K-12 schools in priority locations across Pennsylvania. We can help schools access available state funding to lower their electricity bills with solar. Contact us to learn more about how we can support your school.
Pennsylvania Solar for Schools Grant Program
The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has opened a second round of the successful Solar for Schools Grant Program. In 2026, $25 million was allocated in the state budget to fund solar energy projects at public schools. The program aims to make the financial, educational, and job-creating benefits of solar energy more accessible to schools throughout the state. Visit the DCED’s Solar for Schools Grant Program website for more details about grant requirements and applications.
Grants fund up to 50% of solar project costs or up to $600,000 per school site. School districts may apply for multiple school sites.
Eligible solar project costs include equipment, installation and direct costs associated with the project.
Grant funds can be combined with other donations, grants, utility incentives, and federal tax credits
Get a free solar site assessment!
Generation180 partners with a network of trusted advisors without a financial stake in the project to provide schools with an unbiased solar feasibility study that meets the Solar for Schools Grant Program application criteria. The assessments include a review of financing options and potential cost savings. These services are offered free of charge to prioritized districts based on their location within Pennsylvania.
Our team will guide you through the information required to complete a comprehensive solar feasibility study, providing your district with a clear picture of its solar potential and a strong foundation for informed decision-making. The study includes a draft system design, projections of energy production, and estimates of long-term cost savings. It also outlines financing options—both direct and third-party—tailored to your district’s goals.
With no obligation and no guesswork, this study empowers your district to make an informed decision to apply for the Solar for Schools grant. Contact us to learn how we can assist your district explore how solar can lower operating costs, protect against rising energy prices.
Explore your solar funding options
Schools, local governments, and tax-exempt entities are eligible to apply for the federal Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for solar energy projects they own using Elective Pay (also known as Direct Pay). Generation180 can provide schools with support when planning to take advantage of the ITC for a solar project, including a cost comparison with and without the tax credit.
Important updates for solar projects being planned in 2026:
- Projects that begin construction before July 4, 2026, must complete construction within 4 years of start date.
- Projects that begin construction after July 4, 2026, must complete construction before 2028
- Projects under 1.5MW AC can meet the July 4th, 2026 deadline to begin construction by meeting the “Five Percent Safe Harbor” requirements, in which the owner pays 5% of the project’s total cost and ensures continuity of work.
- All new projects must meet Prohibited Foreign Entity (PFE)/Federal Entities of Concern (FEOC) requirements.
Image Credit: Clean Energy Group
Generation180 will provide guidance on how to take advantage of other state incentives for solar projects and school facilities improvements.
Utility Rebates: Pennsylvania’s Act 129 program provides incentives for solar projects that displace energy from the grid. Each utility has its own incentive, ranging from 5¢ to 10¢ per kWh, available for the first year of operations. Incentives are capped at 50 percent of the total PV project cost, or up to $500,000. To find out what your, utility offers please visit their website below:
Pennsylvania Public School Facility Improvement Grant: Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) is also distributing grants in 2026 to school entities for energy-saving projects. This grant will not fund the solar project, but can be paired with the Solar for Schools grant for related facilities improvements, such as roof repair, roof replacement, and other energy-saving projects.
The expected out-of-pocket cost for the solar project will vary based on several factors, including the size of the array, current market rates, and eligibility for grants and incentives. Generation180 can provide schools with a free solar feasibility assessment to schools with a financial breakdown of estimated costs, including an analysis of the project with and without the federal tax credit. This table shows a sample project cost summary for a 500 kW system which qualifies for 40% of ITC since the project is located in an Energy Community. Generation180 could provide this information with a 25-year cash flow to schools using current market conditions.
*Increased estimated price per watt with the federal tax credit accounts for potential cost to meet Prohibited Foreign Entity (PFE) materials requirements. Estimates may change when complete federal guidance on PFE is released. Obtaining the tax credit assumes commencement of construction (meeting safe harbor rules) before 7/4/26 and meeting all PFE requirements.
