The third round of grants under Massachusetts’ Dept. of Energy Resources’ Low-Income Services Solar Program (LISSP) have been awarded. Grants totaling $2.4 million will help 10 nonprofit organizations install rooftop solar systems that will reduce each organization’s electricity costs by between 70 and 100%, resulting in more resources for the nonprofits’ critical work.
“We are thrilled to award grants to this latest group of nonprofit organizations and add more than 600 kW of new solar energy to Massachusetts,” said Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony. “Together, these organizations will pay almost $275,000 less in electricity costs each year, providing more financial resources for their important missions. The solar systems LISSP enables benefit communities by helping local organizations reach more people, and with cleaner air and improved public health.”
LISSP helps nonprofit organizations reduce operating costs and strengthen community resilience by providing funding for solar and energy storage systems. Grants are available to nonprofits that provide critical community services and support environmental justice (EJ) communities across Massachusetts.
The grant awardees are:
- Allston Brighton CDC in Boston – $240,600 for a 70-kW solar system, which will cut electricity costs by $25,000 each year. The CDC develops climate-ready affordable housing and helps residents in the community increase their economic wellbeing.
- Catholic Charities 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 living services to community members in need.
- Charles River Center in Needham – $241,300 to install a 44.1-kW solar system, estimated to save $15,200 each year in electricity costs. The non-profit supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Community Action Somerville – $136,200 to install a 27.3-kW solar system that will save an estimated $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 for early childhood support in families at or below the poverty level.
- Council of Social Concern in Woburn – $253,400 for a 46.3-kW solar system that will cut electricity costs by an estimated $18,500 each 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, estimated to save $95,600 each 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 that will save an estimated $5,000 each year. The non-profit works to strengthen the local food system, ensuring all people can access and enjoy healthy food.
- Open Table in Maynard – $179,400 for a 55-kW solar system that will save the nonprofit an estimated $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 11 communities in northeast 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 10 grants will result in a total of 612.3 kW of new solar energy in Massachusetts. Combined, the grants are estimated to save the nonprofits $274,845 each year in energy costs, or about 958,979 kWh of electricity.
This is the third round of grants awarded under LISSP. In January, grants were awarded to the Newton Food Pantry, Grow Associates in Randolph and High Point Treatment Center of Southeastern Mass. Cape Abilities and Springfield Partners for Community Action were awarded grants in May.
News item from Massachusetts government