Panther Valley School District is applying for a state grant that if received, could potentially net major savings in electrical costs to the district.

During a meeting of the Building and Grounds Committee of the school board on Thursday, Business Manager Kenneth Marx Jr. said the district is seeking a $500,000 grant to install solar panels near the high school softball field.If the grant is approved, "the project will pay for itself in 12 years," Marx said.He said the district will have to contribute some money, but savings in electricity costs will be an estimated $674,000 over 25 years."This is actually making our own electricity," he said. "We won't be relying on PPL to give us power."He said any excess electricity produced will be sold to PPL.Marx stressed that the grant must be approved for the project to be considered. In addition, it will have to be approved by the school board.More information will be provided if the grant is approved.