Leading By Example Solar Photovoltaic Canopy Grant Program

Summary

Massachusetts offers a state grant program for solar photovoltaic canopies installed at state facilities, including executive agencies, state institutions of higher education, and other quasi-public state entities. This grant is part of the state's Leading by Example Program, established in 2007 by Executive Order No. 484. This program is funded by renewable portfolio standard alternative compliance payments and is administered by the Department of Energy Resources. There is $1.5 million of funding available for 2015.

Proposals are currently being accepted for two types of installations: (1) solar PV canopies at least 200 kW in capacity that are located at parking lots, garage roofs, and pedestrian walkways, and (2) smaller scale solar PV canopies that are associated with innovative strategies or projects. Examples of innovative strategies and projects include projects associated with zero net energy buildings and projects that provide electricity to critical loads or backup power for these facilities during emergencies. All installations must include electric vehicle charging stations. Charging station requirements are as follows:

• Stations for at least two vehicles for projects up to 399 kW
• Stations for at least four vehicles for projects 400-699 kW
• Stations for at least six vehicles for projects 700-999 kW
• Stations for at least eight vehicles for projects 1MW and larger

Systems may be state-owned or owned by a third party. The incentive level for state-owned systems is $0.75/Watt, and the incentive level is $0.50/Watt for third party-owned systems. The maximum award is $600,000 for state-owned systems and $500,000 for third party-owned systems.

Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2016.