Solar for Schools Pilot Loan Program
Solar for Schools Pilot Loan Program supports public school districts with financing for solar installation, operation, maintenance, and storage to generate electricity for district facilities.
Funder: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Due Dates: No deadline specified
Funding Amounts: Loan financing for solar installation, operation, maintenance, and energy storage
Summary: Affordable financing for public school districts to develop solar projects on district-owned property serving district facilities.
Key Information: The pilot is limited to eligible southwestern Pennsylvania districts whose solar projects received a DCED Solar for Schools grant.
Description
The Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority (PEDA), through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, offers this pilot loan program to help public school districts finance solar energy projects. It supports installation, operation, and maintenance, including energy storage, on district-owned property. Electricity generated by funded projects must be intended for use by buildings, equipment, or facilities owned by the district.
The loan program complements the separate Solar for Schools Grant Program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). The pilot currently serves eligible districts in southwestern Pennsylvania, with eligibility tied to a DCED grant award and coal-community status or student free or reduced lunch participation. PEDA intends to offer the program statewide in the future.
