Shapiro Administration Invests More Than $3.6 Million to Help School District in Allegheny County Install Solar Panel System, Support Adams County Company’s Equipment Upgrades
Today’s Solar for Schools funding approval through the Commonwealth Financing Authority will help the Allegheny Valley School District install solar panels to lower energy costs and reduce carbon pollution — ensuring more resources go to students and teachers.
Since its creation by Governor Josh Shapiro in 2024, the Solar for Schools Grant Program has invested more than $24.5 million in 83 schools across Pennsylvania.
The CFA also approved over $3.3 million through the First Industries Fund to help an Adams County agricultural business increase production.
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger announced the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) approved two new projects totaling more than $3.6 million.
The 2026-27 budget signed by Governor Josh Shapiro invests in Pennsylvania’s economic growth, job creation, education, and regional collaboration. These new CFA awards align with the Governor’s continued focus on enhancing infrastructure and spurring economic development across Pennsylvania.
“Supporting small businesses and improving school infrastructure is an investment in our communities and our economy,” said Secretary Siger. “From supporting the expansion of an agricultural company in central Pennsylvania to helping a Pittsburgh area school district install reliable, energy saving solar panels, we are fostering long-term economic success across the Commonwealth.”
A full list of the following approvals is available on the CFA’s website:
“These kinds of investments into our schools pay multiple dividends ― first by lowering energy costs for school districts so that they can put more resources towards educating students, and second from reducing air pollution from making electricity,” said DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. “These projects also teach our children what clean, renewable energy looks like and how it can be part of their everyday lives.”
First Industries Fund – $3,302,617
The First Industries Fund aims to boost Pennsylvania’s agriculture and tourism industries through loan guarantees. Funds can be used for land and building acquisition, as well as construction, machinery, equipment purchases, and working capital.
The CFA approved the following First Industries Fund loan:
Adams County – $3,302,617 to Farm Fresh Turkey Products LLC. through the Adams County Economic Development Corporation to purchase machinery and equipment, including a ground meat line and new slicing and packaging equipment, for use at the company’s operational facility located at 304 South Water Street in New Oxford (Mt. Pleasant Township).
Solar For Schools Grant Program – $301,473
The Solar for Schools program provides grants to school districts, intermediate units, charter schools including cyber, regional, and a school for education of the deaf or the blind, area career and technical schools, specific trade and technical schools, and community colleges can use to fund solar energy projects. These grants will aid in the purchase and installation of equipment, permit fees, energy storage, and utility interconnection.
The CFA approved the following Solar for Schools grant:
Allegheny County – $301,473 to Allegheny Valley School District to assist with the installation of a solar panel system that will provide an average savings of $83,834 per year.
The CFA was established in 2004 as an independent agency of DCED to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. The CFA holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania’s economic growth.
Visit the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s website for more information on the CFA or its programs.
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