A new study by the PennEnvironment Research and Policy Center indicates that schools in two eastern Pennsylvania counties could save over $30.5 million by implementing solar initiatives. Across the state, implementing solar in schools could add up to $342 million in savings.
The report, summarized by Lehigh Valley Live, concluded that Lehigh County schools could save more than $17 million over the lifetime of solar panel installations and generate enough electricity to power more than 5,000 homes. Neighboring Northampton County could save $13.5 million and produce enough energy to power more than 4,100 homes by going solar in schools.
As this study shows, implementing solar can save big money in the long run by generating free, clean electricity using the power of the sun. This not only applies to large-scale projects — individuals can save up to $3,000 per year and sometimes get their energy costs down to $0, by installing their own solar panels at home.
Going solar is also one of the best ways to cut planet-heating pollution. In fact, a study led by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that increasing solar power generation in the United States by 15% could lead to an annual reduction of 8.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide pollution.
If you’re not sure where to start, you can utilize EnergySage’s free tools to get quick solar installation estimates and compare quotes.
The average person can save up to $10,000 on a solar purchase and installation with the help of Energy Sage. For instance, its website has a helpful mapping tool that shows, on a state-by-state level, the average cost of a home solar panel system. Plus, it gives details on solar panel incentives for each state. Together, these features can help you get the best price for rooftop solar panels and take advantage of all the incentives available to you.
However, many tax benefits for solar are going away in 2026, so it’s important to act fast and lock in your rebates.
Want to save even more money? Pairing solar with other electric appliances such as a heat pump or induction cooktop could lower your energy costs even further. Energy Sage has a free heat pump quote comparison tool that makes it easy to find the right unit and installer for your home and budget.
The PennEnvironment Research and Policy Center’s report also assessed solar potential in schools across the state. In a summary, the organization said that maximizing rooftop solar potential could save Pennsylvania schools approximately $342 million over 25 years.
“Installing solar panels essentially locks in a price for electricity for decades to come — an important cost-saving step amid recent and forecast electricity rate hikes in Pennsylvania,” it noted.
Faran Savitz, zero waste advocate at the center, told Lehigh Valley Live, “Repowering Pennsylvania’s schools with solar energy can pay dividends for local taxpayers, our health, and our planet.”
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