The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District (UCFSD) has learned that it is the recipient of a $299,580 Solar for Schools Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

The Solar for Schools Grant Program reduces the cost of implementing solar energy systems in schools across the Commonwealth. UCFSD was one of just four districts in Chester County and 45 Districts across the Commonwealth to receive the funds.

“We are honored to have the support of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development,” said director of facilities James Whitesel, who plans to use the grant to assist with the installation of a 470 kilowatt array of solar panels on the roof of Unionville High School.

Thanks to the grant, Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funds and PECO Energy Company (PECO) incentives, it is estimated that the total cost of the project to the district will be reduced from $1 million to approximately $426,000.

“Solar energy is cleaner, cheaper and provides our students, staff and schools an opportunity to contribute to society,” said Whitesel. “We anticipate the cost of electricity will continue to rise.

This solar array will defray 25% of the school’s annual electricity consumption, a current savings of $71,000 per year. At that rate, the project will pay for itself in five years and will result in a 25-year lifetime savings of $2.2 million taxpayer dollars.”

UCFSD hopes to have the solar array installed during Summer 2026. First, the district will design, bid and bring a final contract to the Board of School Directors for approval.