City of Cambridge Launches Solar Assistance Program

The City of Cambridge is proud to announce the Solar Assistance Program. The Solar Assistance Program provides no-cost support to Cambridge businesses, non-profits, and owners of commercial and large residential buildings, making it easy to install solar on their roof or parking lot.

Solar ownership models supported by this program include:

• A direct purchase model that enables a property owner to own the system outright
• A power purchase agreement model that has no upfront cost and allows the property owner to purchase the electricity generated by their solar panels at a discount
• A solar hosting option that provides lease payments to property owners to host solar on their roof that then provides discounted electricity to low-income customers in Cambridge

The Solar Assistance Program is the newest of several programs that the City offers that help lower energy costs and support the adoption of renewable energy. Additional City offerings include Electrify Cambridge, the Cambridge Community Electricity Program, and community solar.

“Through our programs, we’re trying to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, encourage the use of clean and renewable energy sources, and help make energy more affordable for residents and business owners,” says Julie Wormser, Cambridge’s Chief Climate Officer. “The Solar Assistance Program is our newest offering that works towards each of these goals. We’re excited to offer this program and the support it provides.”

The City of Cambridge has partnered with a Boston-based solar company, Resonant Energy, on the new Solar Assistance Program.

“We’re excited to be working with the City of Cambridge to help remove some of the barriers to solar energy and help property owners reduce their energy costs,” said Madeleine Barr, Chief Growth and Impact Officer at Resonant Energy. “A large facilities project can be daunting and we hope this program will provide organizations with all of the tools they need to make an informed decision about their property.”

Commercial and large residential buildings that have the potential to generate at least 25 kilowatts (which roughly translates to a roof of at least 2,500 square feet) of electricity and have roofs that are less than 10 years old are eligible to participate in this program. Large condominiums may be eligible to participate depending on roof size and solar potential.

Interested participants can get started by completing an interest form to receive a no-cost solar feasibility analysis to determine if their building is a good candidate for this program.

To learn more, visit the Solar Assistance Program website or attend an upcoming online information session on Tuesday, May 6 at 1 p.m. Register at https://cambridgema.zoom.us/meeting/register/U3td_jdsSjutCC2qRuiwpQ#/registration.

All of the City of Cambridge’s climate and sustainability work is now available at www.cambridgema.gov/sustainable. Residents can also subscribe and learn more about events, news and other exciting Sustainable Cambridge information.