EBENSBURG — The Central Cambria School District could save up to $500,000 on operational costs over the next 25 years, if the district moves forward with a plan to install rooftop solar panels and equipment at Jackson Elementary School.

During a Central Cambria School Board meeting Monday, the board authorized a resolution seeking a $148,258 grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development through the Solar for Schools program to purchase a 181-kilowatt photovoltaic system, which would be installed at the Jackson Township school building, according to the meeting’s agenda.

Central Cambria Superintendent Jason Moore said the district’s electric bill increased from $540,000 during the 2023-24 school year to nearly $600,000 this year. With rooftop solar units, the district could fund approximately 104% of electrical costs at Jackson Elementary School, he said.

“The maximum grant allowed under the solar for schools grant is a half million dollars, so we thought that Jackson Elementary would actually work out perfectly,” Moore said, noting the district had a feasibility study completed to determine the potential cost savings through reduced energy usage.

According to Moore, the grant would cover approximately 20% of the solar array’s cost.

Since the Solar for Schools program requires the district to have direct ownership of the array, Central Cambria could apply for the other 80% through state and federal funding programs, he said.

School officials are hoping to issue a request for proposal at the upcoming Dec. 2 board meeting, Moore said, adding — at the latest — the request should be sent by January.

“We’ll accept proposals from developers to see what options they have,” Moore said, noting the board might decide “it doesn’t make sense” for the district to pursue a solar project right now.

“It might not be feasible,” he said.

Moore said the board tries to keep the district’s operational costs as low as possible so Central Cambria can get “the best teachers and the best resources” for its students. Funding saved through solar projects could be used for extracurricular activities or to add support staff to the district, he said.

“If we can keep our costs low, we can spend our money on important things,” Moore said.