Substitute Bill No. 5052 is a legislative proposal designed to promote the use of solar energy in public schools. The bill amends existing statutes to ensure that, for school building projects authorized after July 1, 2024, "other state funds" received for such projects, particularly those related to energy programs, are not deducted from the grant computations. This encourages the adoption of solar energy by not penalizing schools financially for receiving solar energy incentives. The bill also requires the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to establish a program by January 1, 2025, to support the installation of solar photovoltaic and energy storage systems in public schools, with an annual cap of twenty-five megawatts. Additionally, starting July 1, 2024, school building project applications must include a solar feasibility assessment if the district does not already use solar energy.

The bill further details the responsibilities of the Commissioner of Administrative Services in classifying school building projects and outlines the types of facilities eligible for support, excluding certain recreational areas and amenities. It requires prompt review of project applications and provides extended deadlines for projects related to the Sheff v. O'Neill decision. The Commissioner must prepare an annual listing of eligible projects with estimated grants for submission to various government officials. The bill also sets amortization periods for state grants based on project costs and includes provisions for refunding unamortized balances if a project is repurposed, with potential for forgiveness if the new use is public. Independent higher education institutions operating interdistrict magnet schools must justify any private use of buildings that received state grants. Lastly, the bill limits the number of times a project can reappear on the authorized project schedule due to cost changes, with certain exceptions. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2024, and includes amendments to sections 10-286(b), 10-283(a), and introduces new sections.