Pennsylvania Passes Bill to Fund Solar Panels in Schools, Creating Jobs and Saving Money – MyChesCo

HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO praised the legislature for passing House Bill 1032, known as Solar for Schools. Introduced by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, the bill will create a grant program to fund solar panel installations at schools across the state. This initiative aims to accelerate the construction of solar projects, create well-paying union jobs, and revitalize local communities.

The Solar for Schools Grant Program, established by this bill, will be overseen by the Department of Community and Economic Development. The program will cover equipment and installation costs for solar arrays in schools.

“I was there when Rep. Fiedler unveiled the bill in the state Capitol Rotunda last year,” said Angela Ferritto, president of Pennsylvania AFL-CIO. “Supporters spoke about the bill’s potential to save schools money that could then be used for necessities like hiring teachers or repairing buildings.” She added that the bill would also boost renewable energy production and create jobs with family-sustaining wages.

The legislation has received broad support from labor organizations including the Allegheny County Labor Council, PA and Philadelphia Building Trades, AFT-PA, LiUNA, and IBEW. Union leaders traveled across the state, advocating for the bill and highlighting its benefits through visits to schools with existing solar arrays.

Ferritto emphasized that Solar for Schools offers hope to communities suffering from job losses and economic decline. “Instead of grieving the loss of jobs, Solar for Schools is an opportunity for education, environmental, and labor interests to come together—imagining new ways to make our communities sustainable and livable for working people and the next generation.”

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