PON-ENE-2025-004 DOER LBE Solar-Decarbonization Grant.pdf

Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources – PON-ENE-2025-004

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THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ENERGY AND

ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY RESOURCES

ELIZABETH MAHONY, COMMISSIONER

100 Cambridge Street, 9th Floor

Boston, MA 02114

Program Opportunity Notice

Document Title: Leading by Example Grant Program for Solar PV Deployment with

Optional Decarbonization Funding

COMMBUYS Bid Number: BD-25-1041-ENE01-ENE01-107704

Agency Document Number: PON-ENE-2025-004

Issued: September 20, 2024

Please note: This is a single document associated with a complete Bid (also referred to as Solicitation) that can be found on www.COMMBUYS.com. All Bidders are responsible for reviewing and adhering to all information, forms and requirements for the entire Bid, which are all incorporated into the Bid. Bidders may also contact the COMMBUYS Helpdesk at COMMBUYS@state.ma.us or the COMMBUYS

Helpline at 1-888-MA-STATE. The Helpline is staffed from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Monday through Friday Eastern Standard or Daylight time, as applicable, except on federal, state and Suffolk county holidays.

http://www.commbuys.com/ mailto:COMMBUYS@state.ma.us

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

2. PROGRAM OUTLINE

3. APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY

4. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

5. ELIGIBLE COSTS

6. ELIGIBLE PROCUREMENT METHODS

7. REVIEW PROCESS

8. FUNDING

9. AWARDS

10. EVALUATION CRITERIA

11. APPLICATION PROCESS AND SCHEDULE

12. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

13. GRANT AND CONTACT INFORMATION

1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) develops and implements policies and programs aimed at ensuring the adequacy, security, diversity, and cost-effectiveness of the Commonwealth's energy supply to create a clean, affordable and resilient energy future for all residents, businesses, communities, and institutions.

The DOER Leading by Example (LBE) Division oversees efforts to meet aggressive clean energy targets for

Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Commonwealth) facilities around energy efficiency, renewable energy, and greenhouse gas emissions reductions. The LBE Division works collaboratively with state agencies and public colleges and universities to advance clean energy efforts and sustainable practices that reduce the environmental impacts of state government operations. The LBE program serves as a trusted resource and assists transforming policy into action through strategic partnerships, technical assistance, grant funding and nation-leading best practices. By demonstrating leadership within state government, LBE strives to empower residents and businesses to act to collectively address the energy and environmental challenges facing the Commonwealth.

Leading by Example Executive Order 594 (EO 594) Decarbonizing and Minimizing Environmental Impacts of State

Government (EO 594) directs state entities to reduce onsite fossil fuel emissions, and to maximize installation of onsite

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Department of Energy Resources

100 Cambridge Street, 9th Floor

Boston, MA 02114 http://www.mass.gov/doer

Leading by Example Grant Program for Solar PV Deployment with Optional Decarbonization Funding

PON-ENE-2025-004

https://www.mass.gov/executive-orders/no-594-leading-by-example-decarbonizing-and-minimizing-environmental-impacts-of-state-government

3 | P a g e renewable energy to increase the amount of renewable and clean energy on the grid. As directed by Section 6 in EO 594, “… agencies shall continue to prioritize the deployment of renewable and clean energy resources to be consumed onsite or on the grid.” Furthermore, Section 1A of EO 594 directs state entities to work to expand the deployment and use of energy storage and other strategies to minimize peak demand.

The Leading by Example Integrated Solar Grant Initiative for eligible state entities serves to increase deployment of solar photovoltaics (PV) at state facilities over the next five years; decrease onsite fossil fuel emissions in alignment with EO

594; and bolster the grid and resilience benefits from energy storage and reduce state electricity and/or operational costs.

The Initiative provides funding to projects associated with solar and decarbonization activities to support a holistic approach to electrification and includes three grant programs:

1) Solar PV and Decarbonization Repair and Restoration

2) Solar PV Deployment with Optional Decarbonization Funding

3) Building/Campus Decarbonization Implementation

This Program Opportunity Notice (PON) solely encompasses the LBE Grant Program for Solar PV Deployment with Optional Decarbonization Funding (“Solar-Decarbonization Program” or “Program”). The Solar-

Decarbonization Program provides enhanced incentives for new state solar PV deployment, battery energy storage, electric vehicle charging, and decarbonization efforts to provide financial support to state entities in meeting EO 594 targets and objectives related to onsite renewable generation and decarbonization (i.e., strategic electrification of buildings and elimination of onsite fossil fuel consumption).

The Solar-Decarbonization Program is funded exclusively through Alternative Compliance Payments from the state’s

Renewable and Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard programs that are administered by DOER. The Solar-Decarbonization

Program supports the financial viability of integrated solar PV projects at state facilities. LBE utilizes the term “integrated solar” to refer to solar installations that advance broader statewide and LBE goals beyond electricity generation. This means that solar canopy projects must include electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and projects over a certain size threshold must include battery energy storage installation (see Section 4, Program Requirements). New solar PV projects approved for Solar-Decarbonization Program funding may also access additional funding to support state decarbonization activities.

An amount not to exceed twenty-five million dollars ($25,000,000) in grant funding is available through this PON.

Applications will be reviewed through the PON Response Submission Deadline listed in Section 11, and awards granted on a rolling basis, until available funding under this Program has been exhausted. It is DOER’s intention to leverage funds and support as many projects as possible with the available Program funding, as determined by DOER in its sole discretion, whereby approved applicants may be granted some or all the requested funding amount.

All grant applications will be submitted to the DOER. Grants through this Program will be between the DOER and the eligible state entity(s); see Section 3, Applicant Eligibility.

2. PROGRAM OUTLINE AND DEFINITIONS

The intent of this Program is to support the affordability of new integrated solar PV installations at state facilities that will assist Commonwealth agencies and campuses to reduce energy costs while also supporting the aggressive clean energy targets for state government operations, decarbonization goals, and grid intermittency.

The amount of any grant awarded under this Program will vary depending on the type and size of the solar array, whether the project includes the installation of a battery energy storage system and/or EV charging infrastructure, and whether the location of the project is an Environmental Justice neighborhood. Approved new solar PV deployment projects at state facilities may also become eligible to access additional, matching funds for decarbonization efforts as detailed in Section 4 and Section 5 of the PON.

Definitions

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• Decarbonization: Projects that facilitate current or future facility decarbonization/onsite fossil fuel reductions, including but not limited to, replacement of fossil fuel heating equipment with efficient electric systems, site electrification upgrades, envelope improvements, and other efficiency improvements.

• Innovative Solar PV: Solar photovoltaic projects that utilize emerging technologies or mounting strategies not seen in conventional canopy, roof- or ground-mounted projects. This could include but is not limited to solar PV projects that demonstrate an emerging technology or innovative strategy for utilizing solar to reduce energy costs, and “off-grid” solar PV that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or costs through electric load reduction, peak demand reduction, or strategic electrification.

• Parcel: Parcel: A bounded property (land lot) tract that is occupied or may be occupied by a structure or structures or other use. See https://www.mass.gov/info-details/info-for-assessors-about-parcel-data for standardized parcel information.

3. APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY

Any executive agency, state institution of higher education, or quasi-public state entity is eligible to apply for a grant award.

4. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Program applications must demonstrate that the project meets the requirements and criteria described in this section. DOER in its sole discretion reserves the right to waive any requirements should applicants demonstrate sufficient rationale for doing so.

DOER expects to provide awards for solar canopy projects, Innovative Solar PV, and roof- and ground-mounted solar, with additional funds available for battery energy storage, EV charging infrastructure, and decarbonization activities when the specified conditions are met.

Projects may be owned by the Commonwealth or by a third-party. With respect to third-party owned projects, grant awards shall be applied towards upfront costs that will result in lowering the state entity’s Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) rates.1

Sites subject to DCAMM oversight and utilizing the procurement process through MGLA c.164, section 137 to procure a solar PPA, shall refer to the form lease and power purchase agreement templates that have been reviewed by DCAMM;

otherwise, applicants shall comply with all applicable state procurement rules and regulations.

A. External Funding Program Requirements

Project proponents must take advantage of applicable, economically beneficial solar incentives including but not limited to the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program, Class I RECs, and/or municipal light plant incentives, to maximize the cost-effectiveness of the project. DOER will consider exemptions to this requirement on a case-by-case basis in instances where project proponents can demonstrate compelling economic or environmental rationale for not applying for or getting other types of financial incentives such as environmental commitment or claims purposes, third-party certifications, or negligible cost-effectiveness. Incentives such as SMART must be applied for prior to submitting an application to the Program.

Projects that are eligible for Mass Save incentives are required to pursue said incentives to the greatest extent possible. All

Mass Save incentives awarded shall be deducted from the total project cost when calculating grant requests.

State-owned projects that are eligible for federal elective pay tax credits shall make every effort to pursue said credits working in tandem with LBE and/or other agencies designated to coordinate elective pay applications for Massachusetts

1 Third-party owned solar projects utilizing solely a lease agreement with a state entity will be considered for a grant award on a case-by-case basis. To be eligible, these projects must demonstrate a significant benefit to the Commonwealth. If approved, these projects will be compensated at the solar canopy third-party owned rate as detailed in Section 8, Funding.

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/info-for-assessors-about-parcel-data

5 | P a g e state entities. Where applicable, all grant recipients shall notify DOER within eighteen (18) months of project completion whether an elective pay application has been submitted and whether said application has been approved.

B. Preventive Maintenance Requirement for State-Owned Projects

All solar PV, EV charging, and battery energy storage projects under the Solar-Decarbonization Program will be required to demonstrate that the project has a plan in place for preventive maintenance measures for the life of such project(s) that is acceptable to DOER.

C. Embodied Carbon Offset Requirements

Embodied carbon is the greenhouse gas emissions from extraction, manufacturing, transportation, installation, maintenance, and disposal of materials. Executive Order 594 directs state entities to implement strategies to reduce embodied carbon contained in building materials and further directs DOER to incorporate embodied carbon considerations into its programs.

All solar projects contain embodied carbon, including in the manufacturing and transport of panels, racking systems, and steel canopies. To address the embodied carbon of solar projects funded through the Solar-Decarbonization Program, any solar canopy, rooftop, or ground-mount projects receiving funds through this PON are required to offset the estimated equivalent embodied carbon of the project (e.g., from the production of steel and/or PV panels). Innovative Solar PV projects are exempt from this requirement. The embodied carbon offset options listed below use the purchase or retirement of renewable energy certificates (RECs). Projects that are receiving Class I RECs have three options available to them, while projects enrolled in the SMART program have just one as provided below:

Project type Solar canopy projects (for embodied carbon associated with steel and solar PV panels)

Rooftop and ground-mount solar projects (for embodied carbon associated with solar PV panels)

For projects participating in

Class I RECs

Retire RECs over time: Retire twenty percent (20%) of the total annual RECs from the solar for 20 years.

Retire RECs over time: Retire eight percent (8%) of the total annual RECs from the solar for 20 years.

Retire RECs upfront: Retire seventy five percent (75%) of the total solar RECs each year for the first two (2) years the project is in active production.

Retire RECs upfront: Retire fifty-five percent

(55%) of the total solar RECs in the first year the project is in active production.

Purchase RECs upfront: Purchase Class 1

RECs equivalent to one hundred and fifty percent (150%) of the projected year one solar generation within the first three years the project is in active operation.

Purchase RECs upfront: Purchase Class 1 RECs equivalent to fifty-five percent (55%) of the projected year one solar generation within the first three years the project is in active operation.

For projects enrolled in the

SMART incentive program

Purchase RECs upfront: Purchase Class 1

RECs equivalent to one hundred and fifty percent (150%) of the projected year one solar generation within the first three years the project is in active operation.

Purchase RECs upfront: Purchase Class 1 RECs equivalent to fifty-five percent (55%) of the projected year one solar generation within the first three years the project is in active operation.

Projects that will be utilizing solar panels that are registered with EPEAT® (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment

Tool), and meet the associated Ultra-Low Carbon Solar Criteria,2 will be exempt from embodied carbon offset requirements for solar panels. If a solar canopy project is using EPEAT Ultra-Low Carbon solar panels, the total embodied carbon offset

2 Products that meet the EPEAT Ultra-Low Carbon Solar Criteria are identified on a public-facing website called the EPEAT Registry that is free to use. Solar modules on the EPEAT Registry meeting the ultra-low threshold (≤400 kg CO2e/kWp) earn the EPEAT

Climate+™ designation.

https://globalelectronicscouncil.org/epeat-for-solar/ https://epeat.net/about-epeat

6 | P a g e requirements from the table above will be prorated by twenty-five percent (25%) to account only for the steel portion of the installation.3

D. Solar Canopy Requirements

Solar canopy projects must be located on Commonwealth-owned property and be sited on top of a parking surface, pedestrian walkway, or canal in a manner that maintains the function of the area beneath the canopy.

Solar canopy projects must be sized at least 200 kW direct current (DC) capacity. If the Applicant can provide just cause for a canopy project sized less than 200 kW capacity, DOER reserves the right to consider granting an award in its sole discretion.

Requirements for Installed EV Charging Ports and Pre-Wiring for EV-Ready Spaces

Any solar canopy project receiving funding from the Solar-Decarbonization Program shall install Level 2 electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) ports in at least five percent (5%) of the parking spaces covered by the canopy. Regardless of the canopy size, project proponents will not be required to install more than ten (10) EVSE ports. These charging ports may be for fleet, workplace, and/or public use. Proponents may substitute Level 1 EVSE ports for Level 2 EVSE ports at a three-to-one (3:1) ratio.4

Solar canopy grant recipients must agree to operate and maintain EV charging stations or ensure that stations are maintained by a third party for a minimum of five (5) years following final installation and commissioning.

Additional Solar-Decarbonization Program funding is available if the project proponent will be installing more than the minimum number of required EVSE ports. See Section 8 Funding, and Section 5 Eligible Costs, for more information.

In addition to EVSE installation, solar canopy project grant recipients must include EV-ready5 spaces as outlined below to increase the cost-effectiveness of future charging infrastructure deployment.

In accordance with the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code, projects receiving grants for solar canopies shall install EV-ready spaces in twenty percent (20%) of the spaces covered by the solar canopy. Any installed EVSE ports can be included in this 20% EV-ready requirement. Grant recipients may substitute Level 1 EV-ready spaces on a three-to-one (3:1) ratio.6

On a case-by-case basis, DOER may consider applications that propose fewer installed ports and fewer EV-ready spaces for reasons such as but not limited to, installation of DC Fast Charging (DCFC) or significant technical or site constraints.

E. Rooftop Solar PV Requirements

Eligible rooftop solar, also referred to as building-mounted, is a solar PV installation for which 100% of the nameplate capacity of the modules used for generating power are installed on a building. Other than ensuring that all solar installations are in compliance with all applicable Massachusetts building code requirements, DOER does not have any additional technical requirements for rooftop solar PV under this program.

3 E.g., 15% of total annual RECs over 20 years instead of 20%.

4 For example, if a project wants to meet the EVSE requirement using solely Level 1 EVSE, a maximum of thirty (30) Level 1 EVSE ports would be required.

5 In alignment with Massachusetts Building Energy Code Chapter C405.10, EV-ready shall be defined as a designated parking space which is provided with wiring and electrical service sufficient to provide 240-volt AC Level 2 or equivalent EV charging, as defined by Standard SAE J1772 for EVSE servicing light-duty electric vehicles.

6 For example, a solar canopy covering 100 parking spaces would be required to install five (5) Level 2 EVSE ports and fifteen (15)

EV-ready spaces. If substituting Level 1 EVSE, canopy grant recipients would be required to install 15 Level 1 EVSE ports and 45

EV-ready spaces.

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F. Ground-Mount Solar PV Requirements

The Solar-Decarbonization Program aims to promote optimal siting of solar away from greenfield and open space land uses.

The scope of eligible ground-mount solar PV under this program shall align with the current SMART program requirements at the time of application.7

Proposed projects may be any size; however, ground-mount solar PV projects greater than or equal to 250 kW DC capacity must be sited on previously developed land, which is defined as “having pre-existing paving, construction, or altered landscapes, and does not include altered landscapes resulting from current agricultural use, forestry, or use as preserved natural area” as outlined in 225 CMR 20.05.

All projects receiving Solar-Decarbonization Program funding must deploy and maintain pollinator habitat along with the

PV array(s). Grantees are encouraged, but not required, to receive Pollinator-Friendly Solar PV Certification through the

UMass Clean Energy Extension (CEE). In lieu of certification, grantees must agree to leverage the most current CEE Best

Management Practices and Recommended Plant Species List when planning, creating, and maintaining the habitat(s)8; these documents are maintained on the CEE website. Limited good cause exemptions, such as site conditions that could preclude habitat viability, may be granted at DOER’s sole discretion.

For ground-mount projects receiving Solar-Decarbonization Program funding, updates on habitat creation and maintenance will be required as part of ongoing program reporting (see Section 12, Reporting Requirements).

Note: Eligible project proponents that replace existing landscaping equipment with battery-powered electric alternatives at the solar installation site may seek funding for pollinator habitat creation through the LBE Decarbonization Grant for State

Entities as funding is available.

G. Innovative Solar PV Requirements

Executive Order 594 directs state entities to prioritize the strategic advancement of innovative renewable energy technologies and further directs DOER work with agencies to pilot innovative solutions.

Innovative Solar PV projects that utilize emerging solar technologies or mounting strategies not seen in conventional canopy, roof- or ground-mounted projects are encouraged through this Program. This could include but is not limited to solar PV projects that demonstrate an emerging technology or innovative strategy for utilizing solar to reduce energy costs, and “off-grid” solar PV that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or costs through electric load reduction, peak demand reduction, or strategic electrification.

DOER will evaluate Innovative Solar PV projects submitted through the Solar-Decarbonization Program based on a demonstration that the technology or strategy is not widely available, is utilizing new technology or approaches to address challenges that conventional solar is unable to, and/or enables a site to utilize solar where otherwise not possible or other similar impacts, such as effectively addressing challenges not solved by business-as-usual practices or technologies.

7 Ineligible land uses types for ground mount solar include, as defined by 225 CMR 20.00(5), (1) Permanently protected open space, categorized under Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution, unless the STGU qualifies under Category 1 Land Use, (2) A Wetland

Resource Area, unless the STGU is authorized by the regulatory body, (3) Properties in the State Register, unless the STGU is authorized by the regulatory body, (4) Land designated as Priority Habitat and/or Core Habitat or a parcel with at least 50 percent of its area designated as such unless the STGU meets the criteria of Category 1 Land Use, and (5) Land designated as Critical Natural Landscape or a parcel with at least 50 percent of its area designated as such, unless the STGU meets the criteria of Category 1 Land Use.

8 Native flowering herbs and shrubs provide habitat and food to pollinators and other species and grassland habitats support over 70 animals and plants designated as Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Massachusetts. Establishing native plants under solar PV arrays can result in lower maintenance costs over time, due to reduced mowing schedules, and reduced needs for watering and herbicide application.

https://ag.umass.edu/clean-energy/services/pollinator-friendly-solar-pv-for-massachusetts https://ag.umass.edu/clean-energy/services/pollinator-friendly-solar-pv-for-massachusetts https://www.mass.gov/info-details/lbe-decarbonization-grant-program-for-state-entities https://www.mass.gov/info-details/lbe-decarbonization-grant-program-for-state-entities

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H. Battery Energy Storage Requirements for any Solar PV Project Greater Than or Equal to 500 kW AC

In alignment with the current SMART requirements, the Program requires that solar PV projects of any type that are ≥500 kW AC capacity9 must evaluate and include battery energy storage as provided for below unless the inclusion of such is not technically or fiscally feasible10. Exemptions to this storage requirement may include but are not limited to site constraints, safety concerns such as risk of flooding at the site, or other factors outside the applicant’s control. In cases where battery energy storage installation is not feasible at the time of solar array construction, projects may be granted an exemption by

DOER, but must be made “storage ready” as further provided for below.

Installed Battery Energy Storage Requirements

Energy storage systems may be Commonwealth-owned or owned or operated by a third party, and, where storage incentive programs are available, must enroll in at least one of the following programs: the SMART Program,11 the Clean Peak Energy

Portfolio Standard (CPS) or Connected Solutions. Regardless of which program(s) a storage system will be participating in, it must meet either the energy storage specifications detailed in SMART regulation 225 CMR 20 or the qualified energy storage system specifications outlined in CPS regulation 225 CMR 21. Enrollment in such programs may be managed by the state entity or a third-party owner/operator of the storage system.

Storage Ready for Projects that have been Granted an Exemption by DOER

A solar PV system can be designed with the intention of adding battery energy storage later by specifying switchgear, transformer, breakers, etc. that can easily integrate a battery into the setup, ensuring that interconnection and electrical requisites are addressed accordingly, and incorporating the intended location of the battery and code compliance as part of the design. Applicants must provide documentation from the developer outlining how the project will be designed to ensure future battery energy storage compatibility.

At its sole discretion, DOER may approve funding through this Program for the installation of battery energy storage that is to be paired with existing solar arrays at state facilities, at the incentive rate provided in Section 8. Such battery energy storage projects must still meet the Installed Energy Storage requirements of this section as well as any other applicable

Program requirements related to battery energy storage specifically.

I. Decarbonization Requirements

Regardless of the ownership model or type of solar being deployed, projects that are eligible to receive solar funding through

Solar-Decarbonization Program may also be eligible for an equivalent amount of funding for building or facility decarbonization projects that may be occurring around the time of the solar deployment funded through this PON.

Decarbonization funds awarded through this PON may be used for projects that facilitate current or future facility decarbonization/onsite fossil fuel reductions, including but not limited to, replacement of fossil fuel heating equipment with efficient electric systems, site electrification, envelope improvements, and other efficiency improvements (for details see

Section 5, Eligible Costs). Decarbonization funding from the Solar-Decarbonization Program is limited to use at the site or facility that is being served by the solar installation, defined as the parcel; limited exemptions to this requirement may be granted at DOER’s discretion.

9 This value is subject to change if and when the SMART Program threshold for battery energy storage is revised.

10 DOER will review infeasibility requests on a case-by-case basis in its sole discretion with no guarantee that such a project will be awarded any grant funding under this PON.

11 Note that any solar project larger than 500kW AC must be co-located with an energy storage system to qualify for SMART incentives.

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5. ELIGIBLE COSTS

Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage Funding

Grant funds, regardless of system ownership, can only be used for costs associated with the deployment of new solar PV, which may or may not include adjunct battery energy storage installation. Eligible costs include but may not be limited to:

• Solar panels and related equipment procurement, including balance of system materials such as inverters, controllers, and wiring.

• Related structural systems procurement, including steel.

• Costs demonstrably related to battery energy storage systems or storage ready preparation, or any other equipment necessary to meet the requirements of this PON have been incurred.

• Interconnection and permitting costs.

• Commencement of construction (site prep) or installation.

LBE grants may not be used for project elements that are not directly associated with the solar project and/or battery energy storage installation (e.g., roof replacement or full parking lot re-paving). Potential applicants with questions should contact

DOER about what activities are allowed to be funded. Additionally, applicants will be required to execute documentation requiring the return of any grant funds that may have been paid to the applicant due to a termination of a third-party owned facility as further described in any such documentation.

EVSE Charging Port Installation Funding

Solar canopy projects are eligible to include requests for funding for EVSE charging port installation beyond the minimum required charging ports outlined in Section 4, Program Requirements. This funding can be used for “beyond the minimum” charging infrastructure that will be utilized as public access, workplace, or educational campus charging (see the LBE Fleet

EV Charging Deployment Grant for separate funding that can be used for state fleet vehicle purposes). Eligible costs include but are not limited to:

• Networked or non-networked Level 1 charging equipment

• Networked or non-networked Level 2 charging equipment

• Site assessment costs

• Installation costs, including but not limited to panel upgrades, trenching, submeters, and infrastructure upgrades

• Commissioning costs

• Prepaid maintenance and data packages that can be procured at time of equipment and installation that cover a period of up to three (3) years that are eligible for program funding include but are not limited to:

o Network software and data reporting packages o Maintenance packages o Extended warranties

Decarbonization Funding

Decarbonization funds under the Solar-Decarbonization Program can be used for the equipment, labor, and infrastructure costs associated with the following subcategories, which may include but are not limited to:

1. Actual decarbonization conversions, such as building retrofits or heat pump installations.

2. Site electrification preparation, such as electrical infrastructure upgrades or geo-exchange wells with heat pumps.

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/fleet-ev-charging-deployment-grant-program-20 https://www.mass.gov/info-details/fleet-ev-charging-deployment-grant-program-20

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3. Building envelope improvements, such as air sealing and window replacements.

4. Other projects that facilitate current or future facility decarbonization.

As noted in Section 4, Subsection I, any decarbonization funding from this Program must be utilized for eligible decarbonization efforts at the site or building where the solar project is being deployed.

6. ELIGIBLE PROCUREMENT METHODS

Any entities receiving a grant award will be required to sign terms and conditions to ensure compliance with the Program

Requirements in this PON. All projects shall be in compliance with applicable state procurement and construction laws, including but not limited to MGLA c.164, section 137, G.L. c.149 § 44A(2)(G), and Department of Labor Standards prevailing wage requirements.

Eligible state entities must identify the selected procurement method(s) in their application to DOER.

7. REVIEW PROCESS

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and evaluated once per month. Applications must be submitted prior to the final execution of an agreement with the system constructor – i.e., the final contract with a solar developer for a third-party owned system, or prior to the final contract with a contractor or construction manager if the solar PV is to be owned by the

Commonwealth.

After initial application submission, there are certain project development milestones that will move an application up in the queue and closer to final review, approval, and grant agreement finalization. In general order of operation, these include:

• Signed memorandum of understanding or a letter of intent between the applicant and the solar developer demonstrating intent to proceed with the project (power purchase agreements).

• Proof of submission of utility interconnection application.

• Proof of submission to the SMART program, if applicable.

• Bid documentation, including selected proposal, if applicable (state owned projects)

• Final SMART statement of qualification (SOQ), if applicable.

• Signed utility interconnection agreement.

• Signed notice to proceed to project developer or contractor (state owned projects).

• Signed power purchase agreement that includes interconnection costs and an assumed Solar-Decarbonization

Program grant amount.

Awards will be made on a first come, first-served basis and will continue until all funds have been allocated.

8. FUNDING

The total funding available under this PON is $25,000,000.

DOER intends to leverage funds and support as many projects as possible with the available funding. Awards will be made on a first come, first-served basis and will continue the Program until all funds have been allocated. At DOER’s sole discretion, approved applicants may be granted some or all the requested funding amount, the calculation of which is further detailed in Subsections B–F below and is based on the specific components of an individual project. DOER reserves the right to amend any grant limits as provided for below.

Potential applicants are encouraged to contact LBE-Grants@mass.gov prior to submitting a grant application to confirm eligibility and availability of funds.

mailto:LBE-Grants@mass.gov

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A. Funding Limitations and Maximum Project Funding

Other related project funding, such as SMART payments or other grants, must be requisitioned in advance of submitting a grant application to DOER and the respective amount of any other expected incentive(s) must be included in the application documentation. In no instance may an applying entity receive more than one hundred percent (100%) of the cost of a project from this grant, including any project components (e.g., battery energy storage and decarbonization measures) and/or adders, when combined with other internal and/or external funding sources.

Individual projects are limited to a maximum of two million and five hundred thousand dollars ($2,500,000) in grant funding under the Solar-Decarbonization Program, which is inclusive of any applicable solar, batter energy storage, EVSE charging port, and/or decarbonization funding, and/or the Environmental Justice Grant Adder.

B. Solar Grant Amount

Funding awarded to individual solar projects will be based on the size of the project, location of the installation, system type, ownership model, and any applicable adders as described in this PON. The value of the Solar Grant Amount shall be calculated using the following table and is based on the direct current (DC) capacity of the proposed system, PV type, metering structure, and ownership model.

Ownership and

Metering

Rooftop Solar, per

Watt

Ground-mount

Solar, per Watt

Solar Canopy, per

Watt

Innovative Solar

PV, per Watt

State-owned, behind the meter $0.75 $0.75 $2.00 $2.00

Third party-owned, behind the meter $0.60 $0.60 $1.50 $1.50

State-owned, front of meter $0.75 $0.75 $2.00 $2.00

Third party-owned, front of meter $0.60 $0.60 $1.50 $1.50

C. Battery Energy Storage Grant Amount

Projects that include installed battery energy storage are eligible to request additional funding at the rate of five hundred dollars ($500) per kWh based on the nominal useful energy capacity of the energy storage system.

D. EVSE Charging Port Installation

The Solar-Decarbonization Program will provide up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) per EVSE charging port for installations that meet the criteria for “EVSE Charging Port Installation Funding” as outlined in the Section 4 Program

Requirements for eligible costs described in Section 5.

E. Environmental Justice Grant Adder

If the new solar PV deployment project location, defined as the street address, falls within a census block that includes one or more Environmental Justice Populations, the Environmental Justice Grant Adder shall apply. Eligibility for the adder can be determined by using either the statewide Environmental Justice Map or the federal Climate and Economic

Justice Screening Tool.

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/environmental-justice-populations-in-massachusetts#environmental-justice-maps-update-2022-https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/ https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/

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The Environmental Justice Grant Adder of ten percent (10%) can be applied to any eligible grant award, inclusive of solar, storage, EVSE charging port, and/or decarbonization funding.12 This is provided that the Environmental Justice

Grant Adder, in combination with other grant funding, does not go beyond one hundred percent (100%) of project cost and/or maximum project funding as outlined in Subsection A.

F. Decarbonization Funding Amount

New solar PV deployment projects are given the opportunity to request additional funding up to an amount equal to the associated solar PV grant only, excluding any grant funds intended for battery energy storage installation, EVSE charging ports, or the Environmental Justice Adder, up to the maximum per project amount outlined in Subsection 8A.

These funds are meant to support decarbonization activities outlined in Subsection 4I and for eligible costs outlined in

Section 5. Decarbonization project quotes or cost estimates must be secured by the applicant prior to submission of an application to substantiate the funding request.

9. AWARDS

All applicants shall complete the “LBE Solar-Decarbonization Program Application Form” and submit electronically via email to LBE-Grants@mass.gov (see Section 11, Application Process and Schedule). Upon request, applicants shall be willing to meet with DOER for periodic check-ins and shall respond to DOER requests for additional information. Any material changes to the project and/or grant application should be communicated as soon as possible to DOER. If material changes occur prior to a grant award, DOER reserves the right to require application re-submission under the most recent version of the Program Opportunity Notice and shall not guarantee funding for any such re-submission.

Applications will be accepted, reviewed, and approved on a rolling basis until the monies are no longer available.

Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2027, or until all funds have been awarded, whichever comes first.

Grant applications must be approved by DOER, and agreement signed between DOER and the Grantee, prior to the purchase of equipment or commencement of any work to be funded by this grant. DOER shall not disburse funds until all requirements under the PON and any terms and conditions set forth in the grant documentation have been satisfied, as determined by

DOER in its sole discretion. Awards are anticipated to be made on an ongoing basis.

10. EVALUATION CRITERIA

Applications will be accepted, reviewed, and approved on a rolling basis. Projects must meet all applicable requirements as provided for under Section 4 Program Requirements of this PON to be approved. DOER reserves the right to request clarifying information or amendments in support of the application and evaluation process and may fully or partially fund projects based on the information provided.

When available (i.e., uncommitted) funding for this Program falls below five million dollars ($5,000,000), DOER will evaluate and rank responses in order of submission to ensure that higher ranked projects receive the funding necessary to move forward. DOER evaluation will be based on the following criteria:

• Overall project consideration: Projects that can be installed earlier and that demonstrate clear plans for moving the project forward.

• Funding: Projects that demonstrate a commitment of funds to move the project forward.

• Onsite consumption: Projects designed to utilize the output of the system to meet onsite load.

• Energy storage: Projects that include installation of battery energy storage.

• Cost-containment: Projects that demonstrate design elements that have reduced capital costs of the installation.

12 For example, if a project sited in a location with Environmental Justice Populations is eligible to request $1,000,000 in grant funding for solar, energy storage, EV charging, and decarbonization, the Environmental Justice Grant Adder could provide up to an additional

$100,000 in grant funds, making the total grant request $1,100,000.

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• Education: Projects including outreach & education efforts on the benefits/results of solar.

• Resilience: Projects located near a Critical Load facility and designed to provide electricity during an emergency.

• Innovation: Projects that demonstrate an emerging technology or innovative strategy for utilizing solar to reduce energy costs.

• Decarbonization: Projects that are requesting decarbonization funding and will directly result in decarbonization, as well as the timing of when said decarbonization efforts will be deployed.

11. APPLICATION PROCESS AND SCHEDULE

All applicants shall complete the “LBE Solar-Decarbonization Program Application Form” (Attachment A) and submit it via email to LBE-Grants@mass.gov. In addition, applicants must submit a proposal or estimate(s) from a vendor for the applicable project costs that the grant application seeks funding assistance, including any equipment and installation costs described in the Application Form.

Proposals must provide anticipated schedules for the project implementation, including the start and completion dates and expected timeline for project implementation, if known.

The following PON dates are subject to change. DOER reserves the right to re-open this solicitation if funds are not fully awarded.

Issue PON (DOER) September 20, 2024

PON Amended N/A

Grants Reviewed Grants will be reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis until allocated funds are awarded.

PON Responses Submission Deadline June 30, 2027

12. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Quarterly Reporting

Quarterly progress reports must be submitted within fifteen (15) days of the end of each quarter including the final quarter of the grant agreement. Quarterly reports shall include the following criteria:

i. Current project status;

ii. Total amount of grant funds expended to-date and amount remaining;

iii. Anticipated schedule of major milestones and completion;

iv. Any deviations in the project which may or may not require changes to an existing grant agreement; and

v. Other updates as pertinent, such as pollinator habitat updates for ground-mount solar projects.

Final Report

A final report must be filed within sixty (60) days of project completion and/or commercial operation. DOER will provide guidance on the final report requirements in the finalized grant agreement between the Department and recipient entity.

13. GRANT AND CONTACT INFORMATION

This PON, being conducted under 815 CMR 2.00, has been distributed electronically using COMMBUYS, the

Commonwealth’s official procurement record system (http://www.commbuys.com). The project name is Leading by

Example Integrated Solar Grant Program, and the project number is PON-ENE-2025-004.

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Correspondence to DOER should include this project number as well as the title. All notifications and amendments to this

PON will be posted on COMMBUYS. Applicants are advised to periodically check this PON on COMMBUYS to ensure that they have the most recent information.

All proposals and information submitted in response to this PON are subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, M.G.L., Chapter 66, Section 10, and to Chapter 4, Section 7, Subsection 26. Any statements in submitted responses that are inconsistent with these statutes shall be disregarded.

Grant Contacts: Catie Snyder, Deputy Director, Leading by Example Division

Sophia Vitello, Data and Project Analyst, Leading by Example Division

Department of Energy Resources

100 Cambridge Street, 9th Floor

Boston, MA 02114

E-mail: LBE-Grants@mass.gov

PON Name: Leading by Example Grant Program for Solar PV Deployment with

Optional Decarbonization Funding

PON File Number: PON-ENE-2025-004