The third round of grants under the Massachusetts’ Dept. of Energy Resources’ Solar Program for Low Income Services (LISSP) have been awarded. Grants totaling $2.4 million will help ten nonprofits install rooftop solar systems that will reduce each organization’s electricity costs by 70 to 100%, resulting in more resources for the nonprofits’ critical work.
“We are thrilled to award grants to this newest group of nonprofits and add more than 600 kW of new solar energy to Massachusetts,” said Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony. “Together, these organizations will pay nearly $275,000 less in electricity costs each year, providing them with more funding for their important missions. LISSP solar systems can benefit communities by helping local organizations reach more people, with cleaner air and better public health.”
LISSP helps nonprofits reduce operating costs and strengthen community resilience by providing financing for solar and energy storage systems. Grants are available to nonprofits that provide critical community services and support environmental justice (EJ) communities throughout Massachusetts.
The grant recipients are:
- Allston Brighton CDC in Boston – $240,600 for a 70 kW solar system, which will reduce electricity costs by $25,000 each year. The CDC develops climate-resilient, affordable housing and helps residents in the community increase their economic well-being.
- Catholic Charitable Diocese of Fall River – $234,100 for a 62.4 kW solar system that will save the nonprofit $27,200 annually. The organization provides essential life services to community members in need.
- Charles River Center in Needham – $241,300 to install a 44.1 kW solar system, saving an estimated $15,200 per year in electricity costs. The nonprofit organization supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Somerville Community Action – $136,200 to install a 27.3 kW solar system estimated to save $6,000 per year. The agency helps local families and individuals achieve financial security while working to eliminate the root causes of economic injustice. The facility also houses the Head Start program to support young children in families at or below the poverty line.
- Council of Social Concern in Woburn – $253,400 for a 46.3 kW solar system that will reduce electricity costs by an estimated $18,500 per year. The agency provides social and educational services to individuals and families in Woburn and Winchester, and offers a food pantry program.
- High Point Treatment Center in Brockton – $500,000 for a 220 kW solar system, saving an estimated $95,600 per year. High Point’s mission is to prevent and treat substance use and mental health disorders.
- Marion Institute in Marion – $135,700 for a 17.5 kW solar system estimated to save $5,000 per year. The nonprofit works to strengthen the local food system and ensure that all people have access to and enjoy healthy food.
- Open Table in Maynard – $179,400 for a 55 kW solar system that the nonprofit estimates will save $8,300 annually. Open Table works to end hunger in the local community through mobile pantries and delivery programs.
- The Open Door Food Pantry in Gloucester – $361,200 to install a 96 kW solar system, which will save an estimated $36,800 per year. The organization provides grocery and meal assistance to eleven communities in northeastern Essex County.
- Union Congregational Church in East Bridgewater – $137,400 for a 20 kW solar system that will save an estimated $37,000 per year in electricity costs and support 100% of the organization’s electricity needs. The church offers the East Bridgewater Emergency Food Pantry, one of two food pantries in East Bridgewater.
The ten grants will result in a total of 612.3 kW of new solar energy in Massachusetts. Combined, the grants are estimated to save nonprofits $274,845 in energy costs each year, or approximately 958,979 kWh of electricity.
This is the third round of subsidies awarded under the LISSP. In January, grants were awarded to the Newton Food Pantry, Grow Associates in Randolph and the High Point Treatment Center of Southeastern Mass. Cape Abilities and Springfield Partners for Community Action received grants in May.
Massachusetts government news release
