New Jersey’s Community Solar Pilot Attracts Applications for 650 Megawatts of Capacity

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities announced that state’s community solar program has received an overwhelming response, attracting over 250 applications that represent more than 650 megawatts of capacity, according to a Sept. 26 press release. The three-year pilot, launched in January, has a capacity limit of 75 megawatts for the first year. The initiative will provide the market information and implementation data required to develop a permanent program.

The agency will allot 40 percent of the program capacity for low- and moderate-income projects. More than 90 percent of the applications received are for projects in which at least 51 percent of the capacity would benefit low- and moderate-income residents.

The board anticipates awarding at least 75 megawatts for both the second and third years. Customers of an electric utility can enroll for a monthly subscription or purchase ownership share in the program, receiving a credit on their utility bills.