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NORRISTOWN – Nearly $1 million in Solar for Schools funding will help advance major clean‑energy upgrades at two Norristown Area School District buildings.
State Reps. Greg Scott, Matt Bradford and Joe Webster, Democrats of Montgomery County, announced the grants to local schools jointly with the givernor’s office.
Locally, the funding supports rooftop solar installations at Norristown Area High School and East Norriton Middle School — projects designed to generate long-term utility savings, modernize facilities, and strengthen the district’s sustainability efforts, the legislators said in a press release.
The grants are:
• $480,000 for Norristown Area High School, providing an estimated average savings of $56,928 per year, and
• $480,000 for East Norriton Middle School, providing an estimated average annual savings of $58,457.
“Investments in clean-energy solutions will have an impact well beyond the buildings themselves,” Scott said. “Lower utility costs mean more resources for students, classrooms and educational programs. We appreciate the support that made these projects possible and are excited for what they mean for our community moving forward.”
“These projects represent an important step forward in our collective effort for sustainable energy practices,” Bradford said. “By installing solar systems on both the high school and middle school rooftops, we’re making practical investments that reduce energy costs and support more efficient, future‑ready facilities. Each installation will deliver significant annual savings, and together they move our region closer to a more stable, sustainable future.”
“This new funding empowers us to turn our rooftops into reliable sources of clean power and real‑world learning,” Webster said. “The solar installations will lower utility spending, shrink our carbon footprint, and strengthen the resilience of our schools—freeing more dollars for instruction and student support.
“It’s a smart, measurable upgrade that benefits our classrooms today and invests in the community our students will lead tomorrow.”
Tbe office of Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Montgomery County Democrat, announced solar investment of $1.6 million in grants through the Solar for Schools Grant Program, which has invested more than $24.2 million in 82 schools across Pennsylvania.
Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger announced the grants to help five Pennsylvania schools purchase and install solar panels including permit fees, energy storage, and utility interconnection.
“Electricity bills are a major cost for school districts across the Commonwealth, often using significant parts of their budget,” said Siger. “Through programs like Solar for Schools, the Shapiro Administration is supporting schools by investing in long-term solutions that save money, create jobs, and improve the educational environment for all students.”
In the 2026-27 budget signed by Governor Josh Shapiro, the Governor secured $125 million for school infrastructure improvements, including $25 million for the Solar for Schools Grant Program.
“Solar for Schools is a win-win — it reduces costs for school districts on their energy bills, and reduces air pollution from electricity generation,” said DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. “These solar panels will generate electricity and give a visible way for students to see how the electricity that powers their school is made without air pollution.”
School districts, intermediate units, area career and technical schools, charter schools, cyber charter schools, chartered schools for the education of the deaf or blind, and community colleges were eligible to apply for the grants.
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