Lights On From New Jersey’s First Community Solar Project

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Environment New Jersey

Perth Amboy – Today, Governor Murphy celebrated the completion of the New Jersey’s first community solar project in Perth Amboy. This is the first of 45 community solar projects awarded through the Board of Public Utilities’ Community Solar Energy Pilot Program, which in total will create almost 78 megawatts (MW) of solar energy. These projects are focused in overburdened and underserved communities, with at least 51 percent of the solar energy created dedicated to low- and moderate-income households.

The solar panels for this project in Perth Amboy will generate over 11 MW of solar power and are expected to power about 1,200 homes in the city. Community solar is a collaborative way for neighborhoods to power their homes with solar power without having to own or maintain the solar panels, making the process considerably less expensive and therefore more equitable. Solar energy is an integral piece of the Governor’s Energy Master Plan and New Jersey’s goal to reach 100 percent clean energy by 2050.

Doug O’Malley, Director of Environment New Jersey, issued the following statement:

“Clean, renewable energy from solar power is one of the most powerful tools we have to transition to a clean energy future. But for too long, solar has been restricted to single-family home owners for average residents and solar didn’t work for every home. Community solar is the key to break through this roadblock and provide an opportunity for every New Jerseyan to be powered by solar energy.

The NJBPU’s Community Solar program, led by the Murphy Administration, is paying dividends for clean, renewable energy and these projects in cities like Perth Amboy are key to bring solar power to urban residents and low and moderate income households. To be able to reach New Jersey’s 50% renewable portfolio standard mandate by 2030, we need to expand solar to more households — which will reduce bills for those who need it the most. It will be critical to expand the NJBPU Community Solar program so more communities and households can go solar.”

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