New solar program offers Cambridge businesses no-cost installation

The City of Cambridge has launched a new initiative to help businesses and property owners install solar panels, according to a community announcement.

The so-called Solar Assistance Program offers no-cost support to Cambridge businesses, nonprofits and owners of commercial and large residential buildings.

The program supports three solar ownership models:

• A direct purchase model, allowing property owners to own the system outright.
• A power purchase agreement model, which involves no upfront cost and lets property owners buy electricity generated by their solar panels at a discount.
• A solar hosting option, which provides lease payments to property owners to host solar panels on their roofs, offering discounted electricity to low-income customers in Cambridge.

The Solar Assistance Program is the latest in a series of initiatives by the city to lower energy costs and promote renewable energy. Other programs 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,” said Julie Wormser, Cambridge’s chief climate officer, in a statement. “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.”

‘Proven track record’: Julie Wormser hired as Cambridge’s first chief climate officer

The city has partnered with Resonant Energy, a Boston-based solar company, to implement the 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, in a statement. “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.”

To be eligible, commercial and large residential buildings must have the potential to generate at least 25 kilowatt hours of electricity, which roughly translates to a roof of at least 2,500 square feet. Additionally, roofs should be less than 10 years old. Large condominiums may also qualify depending on roof size and solar potential.

Interested participants can begin the process by completing an interest form to receive a no-cost solar feasibility analysis. This analysis will help determine if their building is a suitable candidate for the program.

For more information, visit the Solar Assistance Program website or attend an online information session scheduled for 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6. Registration is available at cambridgema.zoom.us/meeting/register/U3td_jdsSjutCC2qRuiwpQ#/registration.

This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct or share your thoughts at http://bit.ly/3RapUkA with our News Automation and AI team.