Phoenixville officials announced the borough has been awarded a $550,000 Community Revitalization Program grant from the Chester County Department of Community Development. This critical funding will support the installation of a 376 kW rooftop solar array at the Phoenixville Recreation Center, advancing the Borough’s commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship.
The solar project will include modular inverters, racking systems, electrical wiring, and a data monitoring system that allows for real-time performance tracking and energy production analysis. Once operational, the solar array is expected to reduce the Recreation Center’s dependence on fossil fuels, lower operational costs, and serve as a visible model of clean energy investment for other municipalities and community organizations.
“This investment directly supports our long-term goal of building a more sustainable and energy-resilient Phoenixville,” said Borough Manager E. Jean Krack. “By incorporating renewable energy at the Recreation Center, we are reducing our carbon footprint, lowering utility costs, and setting an example for how municipal buildings can lead the way in climate-conscious development,” said Borough Council President Jonathan Ewald.
In approving the $550,000 award to Phoenixville, Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe stated: “By focusing on projects that enhance communities both now and for future generations, community revitalization funds provide a meaningful boost to towns like Phoenixville. Ultimately, it’s the residents who benefit most, through better infrastructure, upgraded public facilities, expanded recreational opportunities, and, in Phoenixville’s case, a more climate-friendly environment.”
In a 7 to 0 unanimous decision passed by Borough Council on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, Phoenixville became the 44th municipality in the United States, and the first municipality in Pennsylvania to commit to a transition to 100% clean and renewable energy.
Brian Weiss, Chair of the Borough’s Infrastructure, Technology, Transportation and Sustainability Committee, stated “I’m proud to see Phoenixville once again leading by example in our commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future. This project is not just an investment in renewable energy, it’s a step toward our long-term goal of carbon neutrality and climate resilience. I’m deeply grateful for the passion and dedication of our Borough staff and my fellow Council members, whose vision and hard work continue to make Phoenixville a model for municipal sustainability in Pennsylvania and beyond.”
This project marks the third solar installation on a Borough facility. Phoenixville’s clean energy journey began in 2018 with a 50 kW solar array at the Public Works Building, followed by another completed 28 KW solar array at Borough Hall in late 2024. The Recreation Center project builds on this progress, demonstrating the Borough’s consistency in achieving long term climate and energy goals.
Phoenixville is also proud to be home to almost 50 electric vehicle charging stations located throughout both Borough-owned and Borough-managed parking lots, making it easier for residents and visitors to embrace cleaner transportation options.
There are a multitude of financial and environmental benefits to solar energy. The long-term cost savings of solar by reducing energy bills allows the Borough to reallocate funds to other community programs and infrastructure needs. The environmental impact of this project is offsetting carbon emissions which aligns with Chester County’s Climate Action Plan and the Borough’s sustainability goals.
This project is a part of Phoenixville’s broader vision to integrate sustainability into every aspect of community life, while fostering resilience, innovation, and inclusivity.
This project has an estimated cost of $750,000. In addition to the County’s grant of $550,000, the Borough has allocated funds for this project. The design has been completed and the project will start in 2026.
For more information about this and other sustainability projects going within the Borough of Phoenixville, please visit www.phoenixville.org/sustainability
