LBE Solar-Decarbonization Grant Program for State Entities

The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) is offering the Leading by Example Grant Program for Solar PV Deployment with Optional Decarbonization Funding. This program provides up to $25 million in grant funding to eligible state entities, including executive agencies, state institutions of higher education, and quasi-public state entities, for new solar photovoltaic (PV) projects at state facilities. Approved projects may also receive additional funding for battery energy storage, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and decarbonization efforts to support the state's clean energy and greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. Grant amounts will vary based on the type and size of the solar array, whether the project includes battery storage and/or electric vehicle charging, and whether the location is in an Environmental Justice neighborhood. Projects must leverage applicable solar incentives, meet embodied carbon offset requirements, and adhere to specific technical requirements. Decarbonization funding up to the amount of the solar grant is also available for eligible building retrofit and electrification activities at the project site. The application deadline is June 30, 2027 or until funds are exhausted, and applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.

The program is specifically targeted at state and local entities, and applications will only be accepted from eligible state entities. There are no set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond. The grant program does not list any incumbent vendors or current contractors, and there are no requirements for integrating with existing infrastructure or technology. The total available funding for the program is up to $25 million, with individual grant amounts varying based on the scope and size of the proposed project.