New Jersey has exceeded 4 GW of solar energy installed. This is enough to supply electricity for over 500,000 New Jersey households annually. There are currently more than 157,000 installed solar systems in New Jersey. It is expected that the state’s solar power capacity will double within the next four year. This is an important step in the journey to Gov. Murphy’s goal of 100% clean energy by 2050.
“I am thrilled New Jersey has reached this significant 4 GW milestone,” says Joseph L. Fiordaliso, president of New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. “New Jersey has been a leader in solar and our solar initiatives are a key part of our clean energy future. Through successful programs like Community Solar, we are ensuring equitable access to clean energy for all New Jerseyans.”
New Jersey will continue to build upon the 4 GW milestone with a wide range solar programs in the remainder of 2022.
After a successful pilot program lasting two years, board staff now targets the third quarter in 2022 to issue a permanent program straw proposal for Community Solar Energy Program. In year one, the board approved 45 solar energy projects totaling almost 78MW. The board approved 105 applications representing 165 MW in planned solar energy capacity. When fully developed, both years’ projects have the potential to serve approximately 24,000 people with low to moderate incomes.
The board continues to work on the Competitive Solar Incentive Program (CSI) for grid supply and large-net-metered solar. Staff has presented a straw proposal to the board and held three public comments sessions. The Board staff expects to launch this program in 2022.
The board will also work to develop and implement a dual use solar pilot program. Staff expects to issue a straw proposal in the latter part of the year. The board will continue its grid modernization proceeding to solicit suggestions for possible improvements that would enable faster interconnection and higher levels distributed energy resource (DER). A draft report with recommendations for interconnection reform was presented to the public in June. The Board will continue its work towards modernizing the grid in future.