Electric Bus Partnership
Our collaboration with First Student has taken our clean energy mission to the next level with the addition of six electric school buses. These eco-friendly vehicles not only lower operational costs but also offer a quieter and healthier transportation experience for our students. This initiative highlights our dedication to creating a greener future for our district.
- Steelton-Highspire School District nstalled a 1.7 MW solar array covering 100% of its electricity needs through a power purchase agreement, saving $3.6 million over 20 years.
- Federal rebates from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law helped the district afford electric buses, which cost more upfront but save $20,000 annually on fuel.
- Combining solar power with on-site bus charging reduced costs and avoided expensive utility upgrades, creating a model for sustainable school transportation.
Media Coverage
Schools Gone Solar; Pennsylvania's $25 Million for Solar Project Grants (Erie News Now) September 2024
Creating a Successful Electric School Bus Ecosystem (School Bus Fleet Magazine) October 2024
Pennsylvania schools turn to solar for a cleaner — cheaper — future (Cipher News) October 2024
A reporter finds hope at a solar-powered school in Pennsylvania (Cipher News) October 2024
Focusing on Students in the Clean Energy Transition (Sierra Club Pennsylvania) October 2024
How a Historic Pennsylvania Steel Town is Pioneering Clean Energy with Electric School Buses (ElectricSchoolBusInitiative.org) December 2024
This Pennsylvania school is saving big with solar and EV school buses (Canary Media) December 2024
