New Jersey has launched a $156 million solar energy program, funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, aimed at benefiting low-income and disadvantaged communities. The initiative, part of the state's Solar for All program, is expected to save residents $250 million on energy bills over 30 years and significantly reduce emissions.
The program was announced on Thursday by New Jersey Board of Public Utilities President Christine Guhl-Sadovy at a rooftop community solar site in Edison. The site, developed by Solar Landscape, is a model for the type of projects the state initiative aims to support. The 2.82-megawatt system will serve about 440 households, roughly half of which are classified as low- to moderate-income, and is expected to reduce their annual energy bills by more than $250.
The Solar for All initiative was created through the Inflation Reduction Act to expand access to solar energy, particularly for families that cannot install solar panels on their own homes, such as renters and those with shaded roofs. These residents can instead join shared solar sites like the one in Edison and receive credits on their utility bills.
According to NorthJersey.com, the program is projected to help deploy more than 175 megawatts of solar energy and benefit 22,000 households within the first five years of funding. This initiative is also expected to result in the reduction of 240,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
The federal funding will also support grid improvements and job training, with state officials anticipating the use of the funds beginning in 2025. The program aligns with national goals to achieve a carbon-free power sector by 2035 and a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.