City Of Reading Breaks Ground On Solar Energy Project To Reduce Electricity Costs From $268,550.76 At City Facilities To ZERO

On May 18, the City of Reading officially broke ground on a major solar energy project at the Public Works campus, continuing the City’s efforts to modernize facilities, reduce energy costs, and move toward its goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2050.

The project, completed in partnership with Schneider Electric, will install a total of 4,255 solar panels across City facilities, including 3,180 panels at the Public Works campus and 1,075 panels at the Cedar Street parking lot near City Hall.

Once completed, the solar canopies are expected to fully offset the electricity usage at City Hall and the Public Works Administration and Garage. 

The project is projected to reduce annual electricity costs at those facilities from approximately $268,550.76 in 2025 to zero dollars by 2027.

Over a 20-year period, the overall Guaranteed Energy Savings Act (GESA) project is expected to generate an estimated $13.5 million return on investment, with savings likely increasing as energy costs continue to rise.

Mayor Eddie Morán said the project reflects the City’s commitment to making smart long-term investments that benefit residents and taxpayers.

“Today’s groundbreaking represents another important step forward for the City of Reading,” said Mayor Morán. “These projects are helping us lower costs, stabilize our energy budget, reduce air pollution, and make city facilities more sustainable and efficient for years to come.”

In addition to reducing energy costs, the project is expected to:

-- Reduce air pollution

-- Help stabilize the City’s long-term energy budget

-- Reduce exposure to volatile energy markets

-- Protect City vehicles from extreme weather events

-- Reduce heat island effects in parking lots by providing shade

The project also allows the City to utilize existing parking lots to produce renewable energy while improving public infrastructure. 

City Sustainability Manager Bethany Ayers Fisher said the investment positions Reading for a stronger and more sustainable future.

“Investing in local renewable energy infrastructure makes good fiscal sense,” said Ayers Fisher. “These projects will help stabilize our operational budget, reduce pollution, and allow us to continue investing in our community.”

The City also recognized the Reading Environmental Advisory Council for advocating for and helping guide the project, along with support from the Department of Environmental Protection, Penn State University, FirstEnergy/Met-Ed, City staff, and project contractors.

The solar project is part of the City’s larger GESA initiative, which has already included upgrades to more than 3,200 LED lights across municipal buildings, parks, recreation centers, and public spaces throughout Reading. 

The City has also completed HVAC upgrades, solar lighting installations, insulation improvements, and upgraded sports lighting technology at several facilities and parks.

Construction is now underway

[Posted: May 19, 2026]  PA Environment Digest