New Jersey Legislature advances bill to increase state’s solar target

Published on January 11, 2018 by Kevin Randolph


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The New Jersey Legislature recently advanced a bill to raise the state’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS) solar energy goal from 4.1 percent of the state’s electricity by 2022 to 5.3 percent.

The state was expected to hit its previous target by May.

“The legislation approved this week provides a crucial short-term fix that will enable the state’s solar industry to keep growing and adding jobs, while the state works on an even more ambitious long-term plan,” Sean Gallagher, vice president of state affairs for the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), said. “The New Jersey solar market supports 6,000 jobs and is delivering economic and environmental benefits throughout the state, making it a national leader. This legislation is critically important for preserving that growth.”

New Jersey currently ranks fifth in the nation for solar energy with 2,234 megawatts of cumulative capacity installed, according to SEIA and GTM Research U.S. Solar Market Insight report.

The bill now heads to the desk of Governor Chris Christie, who will be succeeded by Phil Murphy on Jan. 16.