Phil Murphy's Climate and Green Economy Office, New Jersey, and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) have launched the first solar collaborative project built on an enclosed landfill as part of the NJBPU's collaborative solar pilot program.
NJBPU's program supports Murphy's commitment to achieve 100% clean energy by 2050 and ensures access to clean energy for communities that were previously unable to use solar energy. The 3.1 MW solar system built by Soltage will provide 55% of its output for low and middle income subscribers (LMI).
The union-built project received significant community support in its bid for the first year of the pilot and identified guaranteed savings in the form of fixed-bill credits as an economic benefit for subscribers. Soltage has also partnered with the Ladies in Transit Holistic Community Development Corp. teamed up to offer a vocational training workshop for residents to learn about career paths in the solar industry.
The Community Solar Energy Pilot Program is managed by the Clean Energy Program in New Jersey and provides access to solar energy by virtually connecting customers to a solar array in their utility company's service area. This enables private and commercial customers who previously had no access due to costs, shady ownership or a lack of roof control to take advantage of a fairer solar market without having to buy, install or maintain solar modules.
NJBPU is currently considering 410 applications submitted for the second year of the pilot program and expects the capacity to be awarded later this year. In the second year 150 MW allocation capacity was made available, including a 40% outsourcing for projects serving LMI households.
For more information on the New Jersey Community Solar Energy Pilot Program, click here.