Cambridge Awards $1 Million in ARPA Funds for Solar Panel Installation on Affordable Housing

The City of Cambridge has announced that two local affordable housing organizations have been awarded grant funding in support of the installation of solar panels on affordable housing in Cambridge. As part of the Cambridge Photovoltaic (PV) Equipment Reimbursement Program for 100% Affordable Housing, the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) and Just A Start (JAS) will receive a combined $1 million, which will help advance climate resilience and equity while supporting the City’s decarbonization goals. ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) Funds will be used to add renewable energy capacity to 28 buildings owned by CHA or JAS, which consists of 686 affordable units.

Both CHA and JAS have extensive PV experience and have already identified multiple solar-ready locations within their portfolio of affordable housing, allowing these funds to be put to use quickly. Funds will cover the cost of photovoltaic (PV) equipment for selected housing. Both CHA and JAS will leverage additional funding for the design, construction, and installation of the solar panels.

Earlier this fall, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Cambridge PV Equipment Reimbursement Program for 100% Affordable Housing, seeking affordable housing providers interested in installing solar PV arrays on existing developments. The City of Cambridge awarded these contracts after a review of multiple proposals received in response to the grant funding opportunity.

”We are thrilled to be able to offer this funding to CHA and JAS to expand renewable energy capacity in their housing and benefit both residents living in these buildings and the broader community,” said Chris Cotter, Director of Housing, City of Cambridge. “This funding continues the City’s strong support for affordable housing and shows how investing in housing can also advance sustainability goals.”

The program is expected to serve more than 20 fully-affordable properties, which are home to more than 600 low-income households. Participating properties include the CHA’s Jefferson Park State, Newtowne Court, Roosevelt Towers developments, as well as JAS’s 50 York, Bishop Allen Apartments, and Squirrelwood properties, all of which will benefit from increased energy efficiency and long-term cost savings. Work will begin in 2025 and is scheduled to be completed within the next 24 months in accordance with ARPA funding deadlines.

“The Cambridge Housing Authority is thrilled to advance its long-standing effort to enhance sustainability in its deeply affordable housing portfolio through collaboration with the City,” said Michael J. Johnston, Executive Director, Cambridge Housing Authority. This investment will generate over 300,000 kWh of solar infrastructure at seven sites, benefitting over 500 low-income households. The impacted sites include CHA’s first permanent supportive housing development at 116 Norfolk Street, set to house more than 60 formerly homeless individuals when construction is complete in early 2025.”

“The installation of solar panels on Just A Start’s affordable housing properties is a powerful step forward for both climate action and housing equity in Cambridge,” said Carl Nagy-Koechlin, Executive Director of Just A Start. “We are grateful to the City of Cambridge for this investment, which ensures that affordable housing communities can directly benefit from renewable energy advancements.”

“These rooftop solar projects will keep money in the pockets of nearly 800 low-income households in Cambridge,” said Julie Wormser, Chief Climate Officer, City of Cambridge, “They will help bring down electricity bills so people have a bit more left over for other needs.”

For more information about Affordable Housing in Cambridge, please visit https://www.cambridgema.gov/Services/applyforaffordablehousing.