Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and the city are working to increase solar panel and on-site battery storage installation in the historic neighborhood called East Boston.
Wu launched the Solarize Eastie pilot program in partnership with the environmental organization GreenRoots to increase solar panel installation and onsite battery storage in East Boston. The city has also been selected for Mass Save’s Community First Partnership to provide cost-saving energy efficiency solutions to businesses, residents and organisations in East Boston, Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan.
Won't you read our Neighbor stories
Baltimore developers to revitalize Neighborhood via $4.9M Zero Energy project
Habitat Zero rental Neighborhood approved in Brownsville, Texas
Subscribe to EnergyTech's free newsletter for more Insights into the Energy Transition
The Solarize Eastie program will provide payment support for installations, including a 15% discount on solar PV installation costs, subsidies for income-eligible building owners and no-cost options. The aim of the program is to reduce GHG emissions by boosting solar and battery storage adoption in East Boston and making it accessible to low- and moderate-income residents. ACE Solar and Resonant Energy will lead the installation process.
"Solarize Eastie gives East Boston residents accessibility to make real choices in the way they power their homes and community," said John Walkey, Director of Waterfront and Climate Initiatives, GreenRoots. "GreenRoots is thrilled to partner with the City of Boston and ACE Solar to enhance energy justice in East Boston. For too long, immigrants and people of color have been left out of the solar economy and they must be centered in our energy democracy efforts."
Meanwhile, the Mass Save Community First Partnership will offer energy efficiency opportunities to residents to reduce emissions, ensure cost savings and increase comfort. Participants can obtain an energy assessment to identify energy-saving opportunities, like heating and cooling equipment upgrades and insulation upgrades. Mass Save Sponsors will offer up to 100% of the costs for the approved upgrades. Participants will also receive no-cost energy-saving products, like programmable thermostats and water-saving devices.
East Boston has long been known for its immigrant population dating back to Irish families moving there in the 1800s. The neighborhood currently has more than 45,000 residents, while more than those are Hispanic, according to non-profit demographic studies and the U.S. Census Bureau.
