Solar in PA resources

[Bill Sabey]

Three solar announcements and resources.... (second from Gen180 has additional resources)

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----- Forwarded Message -----

From: Shannon Crooker, Generation180 <shannon...@generation180.org>

To: "billzm...@yahoo.com" <billzm...@yahoo.com>

Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 09:21:05 AM EDT

Subject: New report reveals Pennsylvania’s K-12 schools tripled their solar capacity in the last decade.

Generation180's latest report highlights the growth of solar adoption by Pennsylvania K-12 schools and shows the impact of approximately $22 million in new state solar grants awarded to schools.

Updated report finds Pennsylvania is emerging as a leader in solar for schools  Today, Generation180 released a new report, Powering a Brighter Future in Pennsylvania, 3rd Edition, This comprehensive study on solar at K-12 schools in Pennsylvania includes the latest data on solar adoption trends, an analysis of solar financing used by K-12 schools, and an interactive map of the state's solar-powered school sites.   The report also includes a list of awardees receiving state funding from the Solar for Schools Grant Program, which was just announced by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED).   Headline findings include: Over the last decade, the amount of solar installed at Pennsylvania schools has more than tripled. 124 schools (2% of all Pennsylvania K-12 schools) have 45,024 kW of cumulative solar capacity. Since 2015, solar adoption has doubled every 5 years at rural schools $22.6 million in state grants awarded to 74 schools today has the potential to nearly double the amount of solar power generated by statewide schools READ THE REPORT By investing in solar energy for schools, Pennsylvania creates opportunities to support students, strengthen communities, and build a resilient future. Solar is a practical solution that reduces costs, enhances energy independence, and inspires students to become informed and engaged citizens. Together, we can ensure that Pennsylvania’s educational institutions shine as models of innovation and leadership for generations to come. Know a school board member or administrator? Send them this email to spread the word!   Shannon Crooker Solar for All Schools Pennsylvania Director Generation180 818 East Jefferson Street, Charlottesville,Virginia, 22902

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----- Forwarded Message -----

From: Liz Robinson <lizh...@gmail.com>

To: billzm...@yahoo.com <billzm...@yahoo.com>

Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 02:21:10 PM EDT

Subject: Solar for Schools Grants Announced

  Philadelphia Solar Energy Association 
                                          May Newsletter 2025



PA announces 73 Solar for Schools Grants



Perfect timing!  73 grants to help public schools and community colleges across PA go solar and save big have been announced.  Five Philly public schools and Community College of Philadelphia are among the 25 winners in southeast PA.  By going solar, each school can expect to save an average of $1 million dollars on their electricity bills over the next 20 years!  This couldn’t come at a better time as electricity rates are rising again across Pennsylvania.  Here is a list of all the winners statewide.  Governor Shapiro has put another $25 million in the budget to continue this program next year.


Community Solar becomes Community Energy



HB504 is not just a Community Solar bill, it has become Community Energy by incorporating biogas as well as solar.  Biogas is essentially the conversion of animal manure and the methane it contains to electricity and rich fertilizer for farming communities.  HB504 is much improved over the Community Solar bill last session, and it has already passed the House 114 to 89, with bipartisan support.  Given all the uncertainty farmers face due to tariffs, this bill will be very helpful indeed.

Increase Renewable Energy in PA

HB501 , the PA Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard (PRESS) bill will update PA’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS) and move us from 8% to 35% renewables by 2035.  The bill encourages a diverse mix of energy generation, critical for affordability and reliability, while incentivizing new technologies, such as the new generation of nuclear power and geothermal.  At a time when PA has become dangerously dependent on gas,  PRESS will help stabilize energy prices, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.


PJM Press Conference and Looming Rate Increase



PECO customers will receive another unwelcome surprise in their June electric bills:  a 13% monthly increase thanks to decisions made and actions not taken by PJM, the regional Independent System Operator (ISO).  PJM manages the electricity grid for PA and all or part of 12 other states.  Rallies and demonstrations are being held across the region to draw attention to this situation and to educate the public about these problems. The April 23^rd rally pictured above was held at Hunting Park CDC to draw attention to the harm these rate increases will have on working class neighborhoods and small businesses statewide.
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Solarize Philly Expands to Solarize Greater Philly



The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) takes an important step to expand its successful Solarize program to all five counties, becoming Solarize Greater Philadelphia for commercial customers.  This is in partnership with the PA Solar Center. 


Check out PSEA Website’s New Resources
 

 

Thanks to a group of Bryn Mawr and Haverford students,  PSEA is now tracking Pennsylvania’s solar progress on an on-going basis.  That’s the good news.  The bad news is that Pennsylvania is dead last among all the east coast states in solar per capita.  We also score 49^th out of 50 states in Penn Environment’s State of Renewable Energy report.   PSEA’s maps, charts and graphs will be updated every quarter.


PSEA is powered by supporters like you. Please  DONATE   today.

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----- Forwarded Message -----

From: Generation180 | Flip the Script <flipth...@generation180.org>

To: 

Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 02:53:28 PM EDT

Subject: Momentum Grows for Solar on Pennsylvania Schools

Powering a Brighter Future in Pennsylvania Generation180 released a new report yesterday that finds solar power has more than tripled on Pennsylvania K-12 schools in the last decade. Our Powering a Brighter Future in Pennsylvania report (3rd edition) was released in tandem with an announcement of 73 grants—totaling $22.6 million—from the PA Solar for Schools Grant Program, which will expand access to solar for public schools.   Gen180's report also found that:  The number of schools with solar has doubled Over the past five years, solar adoption by K-12 schools has expanded westward, with significant growth in the towns and rural communities of central Pennsylvania.  Click on the link below for a map showing all PA schools with solar -- and where the 73 new grants were awarded.    Learn more and read the full report here ➝ HOW DOES THIS FLIP THE SCRIPT?  Schools in rural, urban, and suburban communities can all enjoy the cost-saving and environmental benefits solar power brings. JUST THE FACTS Clean energy myth: Solar only works when the sun is shining The truth: Solar can be used in almost any condition, including rainy and snowy days, because sunlight still reaches the earth. Solar panels tend to perform best in cold and sunny climates because heat interferes with the conversion of sunlight into electricity. On top of that, battery storage can be connected to your solar panels and provide energy at night. This is your clean-energy backup, as opposed to conventional backup generators—if the power goes out in your neighborhood, your power will stay on. (Department of Energy) THIS WEEK'S BUZZ Solar apprenticeships give students a head start  ➝ A few regional companies in Virginia have created a program that gives apprenticeships to young people, teaching them how to install solar. The apprentices are able to develop workforce skills in anticipation of increasing demand for renewable energy-focused jobs in the heart of coal country, where skill sets and energy options are both changing. (Canary Media)   Five ways we’re making progress on climate change ➝ Clean energy still beats coal, grid-scale batteries are the “holy grail” of clean energy, and the clean energy economy continues to grow. These are just a few example of climate progress underway. Read more for a longer list of good climate news. (Vox)   Take action to save clean energy tax credits and incentives ➝ Congress is voting soon on a proposal to gut clean energy benefits that help relieve the burden of energy costs for families, help save taxpayer dollars, create new jobs, and make our communities healthier. Make your voice heard by using our template to tell your representative to protect clean energy tax credits. (Generation180) Generation180 818 East Jefferson Street, Charlottesville,Virginia, 22902   Donate