LISC MA and Resonant Energy launch sixth STAR solar cohort

By AI, Created 4:20 PM UTC, May 19, 2026, /AGP/ – LISC Massachusetts, Resonant Energy and MACDC have opened the sixth phase of the STAR Program, which helps Massachusetts affordable housing providers evaluate and move forward with solar projects. The effort has already supported 67 housing organizations, 3,200-plus site analyses and more than 14.2 MW of solar commitments, with a new focus on locking in federal incentives before a July 4, 2026 deadline.

Why it matters: - The STAR Program is helping affordable housing owners cut operating costs and access solar without having to navigate the technical work alone. - The program has already reached 67 housing providers and supported more than 14.2 MW of solar system commitments. - The projects are projected to save housing owners more than $54 million over 25 years. - The solar buildout supported by STAR has reduced emissions across Massachusetts by an amount equivalent to preserving 7,400 acres of forest. - More than 27,000 residents across the Commonwealth have benefited from the work.

What happened: - LISC Massachusetts, Resonant Energy and the Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations announced the sixth cohort of the Solar Technical Assistance Retrofit Program. - The program launched in 2021 to help owners of affordable housing properties in Massachusetts assess solar photovoltaic potential and overcome barriers to adoption. - This year, 21 organizations joined the initiative, including nonprofit community development organizations, public housing authorities and private owner/developers. - Massachusetts’ Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities is participating for the first time as the first state agency in the program.

The details: - STAR has analyzed more than 3,200 sites for solar feasibility. - The program’s technical and financial assistance is designed to move participants from early analysis toward real projects. - This year’s technical analysis will focus on safe-harboring mechanisms to help participants lock in solar tax credit incentives before the federal July 4, 2026 deadline. - Funding for the sixth phase comes from Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s EmPower MA Program and the Jampart Charitable Trust. - Massachusetts public housing communities are now part of the program’s reach through EOHLC facilitation. - Phase VI participants include 2Life Communities, Arx Urban, Attleboro Housing Authority, Beverly Housing Authority, Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation, Easton Housing Authority, Hebrew SeniorLife, Holbrook Housing Authority, Housing Assistance Corporation, Millis Housing Authority, NewVue Communities, Norton Housing Authority, Pittsfield Housing Authority, Planning Office for Urban Affairs, Seekonk Housing Authority, The Neighborhood Developers, VNA of Eastern Massachusetts, Waltham Housing Authority, Whitman Housing Authority and Wilbraham Housing Authority. - Arlington Housing Authority said STAR helped it understand solar potential in its portfolio and secure EOHLC funding for three solar projects.

Between the lines: - The new cohort comes as federal solar incentives face pressure, which raises the value of moving quickly on projects that can still qualify. - Resonant Energy says rising electricity costs and state incentives still make solar compelling for Massachusetts affordable housing providers. - LISC Massachusetts is positioning STAR as a way to help owners and developers plan for long-term energy resilience while incentives phase out. - MassCEC frames the program as a model for turning technical assistance into projects that deliver durable savings.

What’s next: - STAR’s sixth phase will work with participants to complete technical analysis and advance viable sites toward installation. - The program will try to help more housing owners secure federal tax credit benefits before July 4, 2026. - Additional solar deployments could add to the program’s current 14.2 MW pipeline and expand savings for residents and owners across Massachusetts. - More information