New Jersey Awards 165 MW of Community Solar Projects

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) recently approved 165 megawatts (MW) of community solar projects. One hundred percent of the approved renewable energy projects will serve low- to moderate-income (LMI) households. The Community Solar Energy Pilot Program prioritizes equity, and community solar projects are approved based on the total allocation of power to low- to moderate-income customers. 

The BPU also announced that it will transition from its pilot program to a permanent community solar program after only two years. 

Following is a statement by Scott Elias, senior manager of state affairs, mid-Atlantic, for the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA):

“We are pleased that every one of the 105 approved community solar projects in New Jersey will provide low-to-moderate-income communities with clean, affordable energy. Today's changes to the community solar program, including improvements to the low and moderate-income subscriber verification rules, are another positive step in improving access to the benefits of clean electricity for lower income communities and communities of color. This announcement is a milestone in the Murphy administration’s effort to build a more equitable and inclusive clean energy future.”

“SEIA and its members are excited to work with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities staff to develop a permanent community solar program that adds a capacity of at least 150 MW of solar energy each year. Transitioning to a permanent community solar program will expand access to the many benefits of solar to more low-and-moderate income communities and help meet the Murphy Administration’s Energy Master Plan goal of 17 gigawatts of solar deployed by 2035.”