We are pleased to announce that we have been awarded $240,600 through the Department of Energy Resources’ Low-Income Services Solar Program (LISSP) to support solar panels at Brian J. Honan Apartments!
This grant will support the installation of a 70 kW AC solar system, which will cut electricity costs by $25,000 each year. This award was one of 10 granted across Massachusetts to enable nonprofit organizations to install rooftop solar systems. These grant funds will reduce each organization’s electricity costs by between 70 and 100 percent, resulting in more resources for the nonprofits’ critical work.
“We are truly grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their commitment in supporting electrification across the Commonwealth,” said Director of Real Estate, Caitlin Robillard. “The LISSP is directly helping ABCDC meet our green energy goals, and this funding will allow us to continue to better serve the over 100 low-income residents who call these apartments home.”
BJH Apartments is a townhouse-style complex consisting of nine buildings with 50 units of deeply affordable housing ranging from one- to three-bedroom apartments. ABCDC and project partners started construction on a Deep Energy Retrofit (DER) at the site in December of 2025. Once completed, this DER will reduce energy usage by 62% and carbon emissions by 51%. This rehab will not only drastically reduce energy usage at the property but will also improve the health and comfortability of all residents. Solar installation at BJH is a pivotal piece in this climate-resilient housing preservation project.
Stay tuned for more updates from the site or check out our most recent construction update here.
FULL PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 2, 2026
CONTACT:
Lauren Diggin, [email protected], 857-360-1969
Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $2.4 Million in Grants for Solar to Ten Nonprofits
The organizations will save more than $274,845 each year in energy costs, direct more resources to their missions
BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced the third round of grants under the Department of Energy Resources’ Low-Income Services Solar Program (LISSP). Grants totaling $2.4 million will help ten nonprofit organizations install rooftop solar systems that will reduce each organization’s electricity costs by between 70 and 100 percent, 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 AC 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 AC 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 AC 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 AC 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 AC 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 AC 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 AC 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 AC 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 AC 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 AC 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 AC 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.
The application period for the next round of funding will open in the coming months. Non-profits interested in applying, including non-profits in municipal light plant territories, can visit https://www.cetonline.org/programs/low-income-services-solar-program/.