During a press conference at Owatin Creek Elementary yesterday, PennEnvironment Research and Policy Center announced findings from their new peer-reviewed report, Solar Schools for Pennsylvania: Repowering Education with Clean Energy. The report shows that school districts across Pennsylvania could save an estimated $342 million in electricity costs by installing solar arrays. Here in Berks County alone, the report found that solar energy on schools could save districts and taxpayers nearly $12 million over the lifetime of the panels.

Those findings align with Exeter Township School District’s own projections for its newly approved solar farm at Owatin Creek Elementary. Approved by the Board of School Directors in August, the project is expected to save Exeter taxpayers more than $10 million over the next 30 years while generating approximately 40% of the district’s electricity for seven buildings and its transportation garage.

Jason Mell, President of the Board of School Directors, emphasized how the project directly benefits the local community:

“Thanks to the grants and rebates our administration worked hard to secure, Exeter will move forward with minimal upfront costs. The long-term result is tens of millions of dollars in savings for our taxpayers.”

Mell also credited the board’s careful, multi-year review process for ensuring that the solar project delivers real financial relief rather than burdening the community:

“Our goal was simple—reduce costs for taxpayers while protecting the district from rising energy expenses. This project achieves both, helping Exeter schools combat inflation and unfunded mandates while ensuring savings for decades to come.”

Jim Kurtz, President of Reading-based RER Energy Group, commended Exeter for taking this step:

“Congratulations to the Exeter Township School District for moving forward with this fiscally-wise project. Their leadership will set an example for districts across the Commonwealth.”

(Note: RER and Jim Kurtz are not affiliated with Exeter’s solar project.)

PennEnvironment representatives noted that Owatin Creek Elementary was chosen as the site to announce the report because Exeter’s commitment to solar exemplifies the financial and environmental benefits available to school districts. Flora Cardoni, PennEnvironment’s Deputy Director, said:

“We are thrilled Exeter received a Solar for Schools grant to offset upfront costs. Their decision shows how school districts can protect taxpayers’ wallets and the environment at the same time.”

Also in attendance were State Representative Mark Gillen; Shannon Crooker, Pennsylvania Director of Generation 180; and Bethany Ayers Fisher, Sustainability Manager for the City of Reading’s Public Works. A full copy of the report can be found on PennEnvironment’s website.