Fenway Apartment Building Secures Climate Resilience Funds

A Boston housing complex will install a solar-backed battery system to maintain power during outages for vulnerable residents.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Safety

Rooftop solar panels and a battery storage unit mounted on a Boston brick row house in bright daylight. — Fenway Forward in Boston received a $500,000 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources to install solar-backed battery systems for elderly residents. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Fenway Forward received over $500,000 from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources to install a battery backup system at 110 Peterborough St. The project aims to provide power for essential services during outages for 75 elderly and disabled residents.

Why it matters

The installation addresses the increasing frequency of extreme weather by allowing residents to shelter safely in place. A secondary $50,000 grant supports a resilience audit to plan for a future hub at the site.

The funding supports a battery backup system serving 75 elderly and disabled residents at 110 Peterborough St. The initiative is part of the state's Advancing Massachusetts Power program.

The players

Fenway Forward

This organization is a local entity focused on housing development and community resilience initiatives in the Boston area.

Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources

This state agency develops and implements policies and programs to ensure clean, affordable, and resilient energy for the Commonwealth.

The details

The new battery system will be paired with a solar array to provide continuous power for elevators, heating, cooling, and refrigeration. Additionally, the $50,000 award will fund resident engagement to identify specific site risks.

October 16, 2026: Grant funding for the resilience project is announced.

Seasonal Patterns

This project is a localized deployment under the Advancing Massachusetts Power initiative, reflecting a broader state push to harden infrastructure against increasingly severe weather events.

The upgrades ensure that 75 elderly and disabled residents residing at 110 Peterborough St. can maintain power for medical and safety needs during outages. These improvements provide a critical lifeline for residents relying on Section 8 vouchers.

The takeaway

Reliable power access for vulnerable populations is becoming a cornerstone of municipal climate adaptation strategies. Residents in similar facilities should monitor for city-led resilience audits to understand their building's preparedness for extreme weather.