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.”