News  Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $1.2 Million in Grants for Solar to Three Non-Profits

The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced the first round of grants under the Department of Energy Resources’ Low-Income Services Solar Program (LISSP). Grants totaling $1.2 million will help three non-profit organizations install rooftop solar systems that will reduce each organization’s electricity costs by between 70 to 100 percent, resulting in more resources for the non-profits’ critical work.

LISSP helps nonprofit organizations reduce operating costs and strengthen community resilience by providing funding for solar and energy storage systems. Grants are available to nonprofit organizations that provide critical community services and support Environmental Justice (EJ) communities across Massachusetts.

“Solar is low-cost energy that can be up and running quickly, and it helps keep the lights on year-round. We’re excited to help non-profit organizations access solar, which will enable them to aid many more families,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “The Healey-Driscoll Administration will continue to offer programs that help more residents and organizations lower costs and improve lives with clean energy.”

“We’re thrilled to award grants for renewable energy to non-profits that provide much-needed services within their communities, and to put the benefits of solar energy into the hands of residents who need it most,” said Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony. “These solar systems will drastically cut the non-profit’s electricity bills, preserving their precious financial resources for what they do best – serving those in need. Even better, the projects improve air quality in the very communities being served while adding homegrown clean energy to Massachusetts.”

The Newton Food Pantry, which works to alleviate food insecurity in Newton, will receive $398,000 to install a 17.3 kW AC solar system with an accompanying energy storage system. The Newton Food Pantry is estimated to save $20,000 annually in electricity costs.

Grow Associates in Randolph, dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, will receive $500,000 to install a 161.8 kW AC solar system. Grow Associates is estimated to save $72,000 annually in electricity costs.

High Point Treatment Center’s mission is to prevent and treat substance use and mental health disorders. It will receive a $344,603 grant to install a 280.5 kW AC solar system at its Plymouth campus. High Point Treatment Center is estimated to save $142,800 annually in electricity costs.

The three grants will result in 459.6 kW AC of new solar added to Massachusetts. Together, the solar systems are estimated to save the nonprofits $234,800 each year in energy costs, or an estimated 745,195 kWh of electricity.

“The Newton Food Pantry is an invaluable resource to our community, and this award will free up resources to help it serve even more of our neighbors at its new facility,” said State Senate Majority Leader Cindy Creem (D-Norfolk and Middlesex), who represents Newton. “This project demonstrates that solar and energy storage can be an important tool not only in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but also in promoting energy affordability and economic security.”

“I am grateful that the Newton Food Pantry will receive this critical funding which makes it possible for the organization to operate more sustainably and efficiently. Every dollar saved by reducing energy costs through these solar panels can be redirected toward more of our neighbors facing food insecurity,” said State Representative John Lawn (D-10^th Middlesex). “This strengthens our commitment to both environmental justice and food security. I would like to thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their partnership.”

“Mental health and addiction treatment services are vital to the health and well-being of residents across Plymouth,” said State Senator Dylan Fernandes (D-Plymouth and Barnstable). “This $344,603 solar grant from the Healey Administration to High Point will allow them to focus more resources on recovery and treatment for our local residents while saving money on energy and reducing emissions - truly a win, win, win for our region.”

"I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Department of Energy Resources for this investment in clean, reliable energy for High Point Treatment Centers in Plymouth,” said State Representative Kathleen LaNatra (D-12^th Plymouth). “High Point serves as a lifeline for so many in our region struggling with addiction, substance use disorder and mental health conditions and this investment in the facilities’ energy infrastructure will continue to allow them to focus on the amazing work they do."

“I’m grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Department of Energy Resources for investing in organizations that serve our most vulnerable residents,” said State Representative Bruce Ayers (D-1^st Norfolk). “For 30 years, Grow Associates has supported adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and this $500,000 Low-Income Services Solar Program grant will help lower energy costs, expand their services, and strengthen their long-term sustainability.”

“I’m proud to see a Randolph-based organization leading the way in clean energy adoption in support of their important work to serve our most vulnerable neighbors. This grant to Grow Associates is a powerful example of how we can advance environmental justice and support the essential work of local nonprofits at the same time,” said State Senator Bill Driscoll, Jr. (D-Norfolk, Plymouth and Bristol), whose district includes the Town of Randolph. “I commend the Healey-Driscoll administration and the Department of Energy Resources for launching the Low-Income Services Solar Program and recognizing the value of supportive community-based solutions.”

Applications for LISSP are accepted quarterly. The application period for round two closes on January 16, 2026. The application period for round three will open on March 2, 2026. Non-profits interested in applying, including non-profits in municipal light plant territories, can visit the grant program website.