Marley KakusaThe Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) has awarded $2.4 million in grants to 10 nonprofit organizations to install rooftop solar systems, helping reduce electricity costs while allowing community organizations to redirect more funding toward their core services.
The funding was distributed through the state’s Low-Income Services Solar Program (LISSP), which supports nonprofit organizations serving low-income residents and environmental justice communities. According to DOER, the selected projects are expected to reduce participating organizations’ electricity costs by 70% to 100%, generating an estimated $10 million in lifetime energy savings.
State officials said lowering utility costs will help nonprofit organizations strengthen their financial resilience while advancing Massachusetts’ clean energy goals.
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“By reducing energy expenses, these organizations can dedicate more resources to the critical services they provide to communities across the Commonwealth,” DOER said when announcing the awards.
The grants will fund rooftop solar installations at organizations providing affordable housing, food assistance, healthcare, disability services, and other community programs. Several of the projects will be developed in partnership with Boston-based solar developer Resonant Energy, which announced it is working with eight of the ten grant recipients.
The Low-Income Services Solar Program offers grants of up to $500,000 for eligible nonprofit organizations to install solar energy systems, with optional battery storage. The program is administered by DOER with technical assistance from the Center for EcoTechnology (CET), which helps applicants evaluate projects and navigate the application process.
The latest awards build on Massachusetts’ ongoing efforts to expand clean energy access for nonprofit organizations. Earlier this year, the Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded $1.2 million to three nonprofits through the same program to support rooftop solar installations.
The announcement also aligns with broader initiatives aimed at helping nonprofits adopt renewable energy before federal clean energy incentives begin to phase down. Programs such as Solar Upgrading Nonprofits (SUN) have provided technical assistance, feasibility studies, and grant-writing support to organizations exploring solar projects. According to the Providers’ Council, participating organizations moving forward with solar are expected to save 70% to 100% on annual electricity costs while collectively realizing about $10 million in lifetime savings.
Massachusetts continues to be one of the leading U.S. states for distributed solar deployment, with policymakers using grants, technical assistance, and incentive programs to expand access to renewable energy across municipalities, affordable housing providers, schools, and nonprofit organizations.
Sources:
- Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER)
- Center for EcoTechnology (CET)
- Low-Income Services Solar Program (LISSP)
- Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
- Providers’ Council / Solar Upgrading Nonprofits (SUN) Program
Cody Cooper
Daniyal Ahmed
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