Translator Disclaimers
For Immediate Release: Contact: Peter Peretzman
Date: 04/6/2021 609-900-5626

Clean Energy Program Receives 410 Applications for Community Solar in Year 2 of Pilot Program

 

Trenton, N.J.—The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) today announced it received a record 410 applications to participate in Year 2 of its Community Solar Energy Pilot Program. The applications represent 800.5 MW of total capacity and all but one project have committed to serving low- to moderate-income (LMI) communities. The program offers guaranteed savings for LMI households and more equitable access to clean energy benefits. Clean energy equity is a critical goal of Governor Murphy’s push to 100 percent clean energy by 2050.

 

With over 135,000 solar installations, the Garden State is No. 1 in the country for installed solar capacity per square mile, and according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory has the most planned community solar capacity serving LMI households.

 

“Our commitment to a stronger and fairer New Jersey has been our highest priority since day one,” said Governor Murphy. “Transitioning our state to clean energy will not only reduce the harmful emissions polluting our air, but it will also spur much needed economic growth and create career opportunities for a diverse workforce to participate in the clean energy innovation economy. Our historic Community Solar Energy Pilot Program is a national example for its focus on clean energy equity and will help to inform the development of a permanent community solar program with environmental justice at its core.”

 

“Community solar is the key to unlocking clean energy benefits for the many New Jerseyans who have historically been unable to participate in the green revolution,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “Through our Pilot Program, we can further the promise of environmental justice for our most underserved communities while deploying the renewable energy necessary to reduce our emissions and improve public health for all. Community solar is a win-win for our residents, our growing green economy, and the planet.”

 

The Community Solar Energy Pilot Program, which is administered by New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program™, provides access to solar energy through a subscription-based model that allows residents and businesses to virtually connect to a solar installation within their electric distribution company’s (EDC) service territory. This provides customers usually excluded from the solar market – due to factors like cost, shaded property, or lack of roof control – the opportunity to participate in and benefit from the clean energy economy.

 

In January, Governor Murphy celebrated the completion of the first community solar projects energized as part of Year 1 of the Pilot Program – two installations representing nearly 7 MW in Perth Amboy constructed by New Jersey-based developer Solar Landscape. These projects alone created over 50 permanent, well-paying local jobs that contribute to New Jersey’s equitable clean energy future.

 

Year 2 of the Pilot Program is anticipated to allocate 150 MW of award capacity (double that of Year 1) and includes a 40 percent earmark for projects serving mostly LMI households. Once fully implemented, the Pilot Program is expected to generate enough solar energy to power over 45,000 homes.

 

NJBPU will process and score the 410 applications for Year 2 of the Pilot Program based on the Evaluation Criteria included in the Application Form Appendix, which place particular emphasis on LMI and environmental justice inclusion, low-impact siting, and community engagement.

 

Projects must score a minimum of 50 points for consideration in the Pilot Program and will be awarded capacity in descending order for each EDC territory, starting with the highest-scoring project and proceeding to the lowest-scoring project.

 

For more information about New Jersey’s Community Solar Energy Pilot Program, please visit www.njcleanenergy.com/renewable-energy/programs/community-solar/.

 

About the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU)

NJBPU is a state agency and regulatory authority mandated to ensure safe, adequate and proper utility services at reasonable rates for New Jersey customers. Critical services regulated by NJBPU include natural gas, electricity, water, wastewater, telecommunications and cable television. The Board has general oversight and responsibility for monitoring utility service, responding to consumer complaints, and investigating utility accidents. To find out more about NJBPU, visit our website at www.nj.gov/bpu.

 

About New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program (NJCEP)

NJCEP, established on January 22, 2003, in accordance with the Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act (EDECA), provides financial and other incentives to the State's residential customers, businesses and schools that install high-efficiency or renewable energy technologies, thereby reducing energy usage, lowering customers' energy bills and reducing environmental impacts. The program is authorized and overseen by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), and its website is www.NJCleanEnergy.com.

 

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