Pennsylvania school solar projects offer hope for clean energy progress in politically divided state

In the small town of Carlisle, Pennsylvania—located in the heart of Trump-supporting territory—a surprising consensus is emerging around solar energy. Superintendent Colleen Friend of the Carlisle Area School District has encountered minimal opposition while leading efforts to install a football field-sized solar array at a local elementary school, demonstrating that clean energy can transcend political divides.

This local success story comes as Pennsylvania lawmakers remain deadlocked on broader clean energy legislation after years of failed negotiations. The political gridlock has frustrated environmental advocates who see the state missing crucial opportunities to expand renewable energy infrastructure and reduce carbon emissions.

However, one piece of legislation has managed to break through the partisan standoff: a $25 million bill specifically designed to fund rooftop solar installations on schools across Pennsylvania. This targeted approach has gained traction where comprehensive clean energy packages have stalled, focusing on the practical benefits for educational institutions including reduced energy costs and hands-on learning opportunities for students.

The question now facing Pennsylvania is whether this schools-focused solar initiative represents a viable template for future clean energy progress or merely a one-time exception to the state’s political deadlock. Environmental advocates are watching closely to see if the bipartisan support for school solar projects can be leveraged to advance other renewable energy priorities. For communities like Carlisle, the immediate focus remains on demonstrating that solar energy makes both economic and environmental sense, regardless of political affiliation.