Letter to the editor: Solar a smart move for schools

Tribune-Review | Tuesday, December 10, 2024 9:00 a.m.

Rightfully highlighted by the Trib is a local superintendent’s efforts to keep her school district energy and cost efficient (“My school district has saved over a million dollars by going solar. With Solar for Schools, your district could be next,” Nov. 18, TribLive). The Carlisle Area School District manages to do this through their use of solar energy.

Only about 5% of Pennsylvania schools have gone solar. Most schools are powered by fossil fuels that pollute our air and water, make people sick, and contribute to climate change. Energy is the second-highest cost for schools, second only to staffing. Installing solar panels can save schools between 65% and 110% of their previous yearly energy costs.

Solar for Schools grants give more schools the opportunity to implement solar energy, significantly reducing their costs and the negative impact on the environment. The application to receive this funding is open until Jan. 31.

I urge all Pennsylvania schools to take this opportunity to switch to solar energy by applying for this grant.

Alison Harvill

Brookline