Lehigh Valley schools could save millions, cut pollution with switch to solar power: study

A new study reveals significant potential financial and environmental benefits for Lehigh Valley schools that adopt solar energy systems.

The research, conducted by PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center, shows that schools in Lehigh and Northampton counties could collectively save over $30.5 million through solar power initiatives.

According to the report “Solar Schools for Pennsylvania: Repowering Education with Clean Energy,” Lehigh County schools could save more than $17 million over the lifetime of solar panel installations while generating enough power for over 5,000 homes. In Northampton County, schools could save $13.5 million and reduce carbon dioxide pollution by more than 25,000 tons, while producing enough energy to power more than 4,100 homes.

PennEnvironment released the study at a news conference Wednesday outside Bethlehem City Hall.

“Repowering Pennsylvania’s schools with solar energy can pay dividends for local taxpayers, our health and our planet,” said Faran Savitz, zero waste advocate at the PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center.

The study highlights schools as ideal locations for solar installations, citing their extensive flat rooftops, parking lots suitable for solar canopies, and adjacent open spaces. These features can help reduce installation costs through economies of scale.

Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds endorsed the findings, saying, “Not only does solar help us save on costs, but it also gives our students a firsthand look at how we can build a more sustainable community together.”

The report comes as schools face rising energy costs. U.S. schools currently spend approximately $8 billion annually on energy, making it their second-highest expense after teacher salaries.

It also comes as President Donald Trump has made sweeping strides to prioritize fossil fuels and hinder renewable energy projects. Those include reviewing wind and solar energy permits, canceling plans to use large areas of federal waters for new offshore wind development and stopping work on another offshore wind project for New York, although construction was later allowed to resume.

In August, with U.S. electricity prices rising at more than twice the rate of inflation, Trump lashed out, falsely blaming renewable power for skyrocketing energy costs. He called wind and solar energy “THE SCAM OF THE CENTURY!” in a social media post and vowed not to approve any wind or solar projects.

Dr. Karen Pooley, Bethlehem Area School Board member, pointed to existing success with renewable energy initiatives: “I’ve been incredibly impressed with the way our district has invested in energy efficiency and alternative forms of energy — from our solar panels to our electric buses.”

The PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center recommends expanding the state’s Solar for Schools grant program and implementing parts of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s statewide energy plan to facilitate solar adoption.

Find the full report at environmentamerica.org, and it’s included below for viewing on some devices.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Generative AI was used to organize and structure this story, based on data provided by PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center. It was reviewed and edited by lehighvalleylive.com.