Local tour highlights innovative solar and electric bus project at Bethlehem Area School District’s Freedom High School

Bethlehem, PA – Local officials and residents joined leaders from Freedom High School and the nonprofit environmental group PennEnvironment for an informative tour of the school’s innovative solar carport and a test drive from one of the district’s electric buses. The tour was held to educate Bethlehem residents and neighboring school districts about the benefits of solar energy and how they can go solar if interested.

Rep. Steve Samuelson and Lehigh Valley Residents and leaders join PennEnvironment outside of Freedom Highschool to celebrate the Bethlehem School District’s Electric BusesPhoto by TPIN | TPIN

“There’s never been a better time for schools to use the power of the sun to electrify their schools,” said Madeleine Hepting, organizer for PennEnvironment. “Plentiful sunshine and generous solar incentives are here. Now more schools in Pennsylvania just need to take advantage of them.” 

In 2010, Bethlehem Area School District worked with Tangent Energy Solutions to install five solar arrays across the school district totaling 1.6 megawatts which offsets about ten percent of the district’s annual electricity usage. Two of their schools, James Buchanan and Farmersville elementary schools are entirely powered by solar energy and Freedom High School boasts a two and a half row solar carport. 

Just last year, the district worked with State Senator Boscola to obtain state funding for two electric buses. Ten more buses are expected to join their fleet this year thanks to federal funding. Transportation is now the number one source of global warming pollution in the United States, and traditional school buses burn harmful diesel fuel that children and drivers breathe in every day, threatening their health. Switching to electric buses means cleaner air and healthier outcomes for Bethlehem families and neighbors.

“Here in the Lehigh Valley, we are infamous for our poor air quality,” said Mark Stein, the Chief Facilities and Operations Officer for BASD. “So, we’re excited about the benefits the electric buses bring to our kids in getting them to and from school. They have zero emissions and a quiet environment, so when our students get to us in the morning they are ready to learn.”

Solar energy is abundant, efficient and increasingly affordable, and schools are often great candidates for solar panels. Harnessing more energy from the sun would mean cleaner air, a more stable climate, less strain on natural resources, and an energy source we can depend on to be virtually pollution-free for as long as we can imagine. Plus, going solar increases energy independence and reliability and can allow schools to save a ton of money on their utility bills.

Solar Carports, like the one at Freedom High School, are a great solution for schools or businesses looking to maximize their available space while investing in clean energy. Not only do they provide shelter for vehicles from the elements, they also generate renewable energy that directly powers the school or business. 

“Taking action to protect our environment and promote sustainability is so important.” said State Representative Steve Samuelson. “We are protecting our planet. We are addressing climate change. We’re also trying to live in a healthier community and just making sure that we leave the world a better place for generations to come.”

Rep. Steve Samuelson joins PennEnvironment outside of Freedom Highschool to celebrate the Bethlehem School District’s Electric BusesPhoto by TPIN | TPIN

Right now, Pennsylvania is currently ranked 26th in the nation for solar power. Bethlehem Area School District leaders hope that their arrays can inspire other schools across Pennsylvania to follow their lead, choose clean energy, and help Pennsylvania become a solar leader.

PennEnvironment is holding events like this throughout the state to help spread the word about the benefits of going solar so that more houses of worship, nonprofits, businesses, and individuals can invest in a clean energy future too.