Will East Penn go solar? The commune is looking for proposals to build a photovoltaic farm

EMMAUS, Pa. — Seeking ways to reduce costs and mitigate environmental impacts, the East Penn School District is taking preliminary steps toward a potential solar energy project.

According to a news release from the nonprofit Pennsylvania Solar Center, the group, on behalf of the school district, issued a solicitation for bids from solar companies through June 14.

The press release states that “we are making the decision to switch to solar energy.”

“Our schools have certainly not been immune to the effects of inflation and other rising costs, and with the federal Inflation Reduction Act offering cost-saving incentives to go solar, there may be no better time to make the change.”

East Penn Director of Facilities Steven Onushco in a release

“The East Penn School District is trying to control our energy expenses and reduce our carbon footprint by potentially switching to solar energy. We are looking for a developer to help us explore our options,” East Penn Director of Facilities Steven Onushco said in the release.

“Our schools have certainly not been immune to the effects of inflation and other rising costs, and with the federal Inflation Reduction Act offering cost-saving incentives to go solar, there may be no better time to make the change.”

East Penn School District at Emmaus — This is Emmaus High School in the East Penn Emmaus School District in Lehigh County. Photo taken in March 2023.

Onushco said the district has been researching solar energy for several years and that such a project would require a 25-year commitment to any property. For now, he estimates the chances of its full implementation at about 50/50.

Presentation slides provided by Onushco detailing the request for proposals for developers state that the district intends to offset electricity costs for Shoemaker Elementary School, Macungie Elementary School and Eyer Middle School, which are within a two-mile radius.

If approved, the ground-mount solar project will be located in a field adjacent to Shoemaker Elementary and Macungie Elementary schools on Macungie Road.

Next steps of the process

The release said the district is interested in a developer who can support educational initiatives for students, staff and the surrounding community about solar and renewable energy.

According to the presentation, the initial assessment of applications will take place in mid-June, and the developer’s proposal will be selected by mid-August.

The next steps planned are a presentation to the school board on August 26 and potential board approval on September 9.

East Penn School District Information

The next steps planned are a presentation to school officials on Aug. 26 and potential board approval on Sept. 9.

Pennsylvania Solar Canter’s GET Solar program for schools recommends that districts consider investing in renewable energy, noting the tax benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act and the potential to lower electricity costs.

As a consultant, the group sources proven proposals from developers and helps districts with selection, education and financing strategies.

In Pennsylvania, a list of state and federal financial incentives for taking steps to make energy use more efficient or more renewable is now available on the Department of Environmental Protection’s website.