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In late 2023, Solar Landscape completed a 1.1-megawatt project at 18 Engelhard Ave. in Avenel. - SOLAR LANDSCAPE
In late 2023, Solar Landscape completed a 1.1-megawatt project at 18 Engelhard Ave. in Avenel. - SOLAR LANDSCAPE
New law expands NJ’s community solar program
Matthew Fazelpoor//January 8, 2024//
Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation Jan. 4 that expands and strengthens the Garden State’s Community Solar Energy Program (CSEP), which allows the opportunity to access the benefits of solar energy for individuals who do not have the ability to install solar on their own rooftops.
The legislation (Assembly Bill 4782/Senate Bill 3123) simplifies the CSEP – providing subscribers with a seamless energy bill, while making more capacity available to develop community solar across the Garden State.
“I am proud to continue expanding our nation-leading Community Solar Energy Program while eliminating barriers for prospective applicants,” said Murphy in a press release. “All New Jersey families deserve access to affordable and clean energy, regardless of their ZIP code. This is another critical step forward in our pursuit of a stronger, fairer, and greener future.”
“Under Gov. Murphy’s leadership the BPU’s community solar program has been a national model and today’s action will continue the success of the program by bringing the benefits of solar to more people while lowering utility bills for participants,” said New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) President Christine Guhl-Sadovy.
“Our Community Solar Energy Pilot Program was an immense success, outpacing expectations and delivering rate savings to thousands of New Jersey households,” said Sen. Bob Smith, D-17th District, chair of the Senate Environment and Energy Committee. “The new permanent Community Solar Energy Program will increase the energy procurement goals, extend financial savings to thousands more families, and support New Jersey’s transition to clean energy.”
Assemblyman John McKeon, D-27th District, a prime bill sponsor, said that with the enactment of this legislation, the state is signing off on a greener future and energy equity for its communities.
“The success of community solar in nearby towns is evident, and this legislation will extend opportunities to enjoy cleaner air and lower energy costs for thousands of New Jerseyans,” said McKeon.
It came from New Jersey
Shaun Keegan, CEO and co-founder of Asbury Park-based Solar Landscape, noted the Garden State’s crucial role in the evolution of electricity. Thanks to these efforts, he said, the state will continue that momentum and innovation by putting community solar installations on commercial rooftops and delivering the energy to low/moderate-income residents at a substantial discount.
“This model began in New Jersey and is now being duplicated across the country,” said Keegan. “Rooftop community solar can be built quickly, preserves precious open space, creates good union jobs, and generates power closer to where it will be used.”
The signing of the legislation was applauded by a number of environmental and clean energy advocacy groups.
“NJBPU’s community solar program – from its infancy as a pilot project to its now permanent status – has been a clean energy home run for New Jersey. There are hundreds of thousands of residents that want to go solar, but barriers to adoption stopped them in the past – and now it will be even easier,” said Doug O’Malley, director, Environment New Jersey. “The sleeker permanent community solar program – with its increased capacity and streamlined application process – will bring more solar for all residents and real savings.”
“In addition to the energy bill savings community solar will bring, it will also provide good, family-sustaining jobs,” said Ed Potosnak, executive director, New Jersey League of Conservation Voters. “On-the-job training can be acquired to gain entry into this exciting industry, which is one of the fastest growing sectors of the U.S. clean energy economy.”
