New Jersey reaches 2.25 gigawatts of solar capacity across 80,000 solar projects

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) recently announced that New Jersey exceeded 80,000 operational solar projects with a combined installed solar energy capacity of more than 2.25 gigawatts (GW).

Approximately 94 percent of current solar capacity in the state was installed during the Christie Administration.

“We are extremely proud that the Christie Administration’s strong commitment to renewable solar energy and support of the State’s solar industry has led to the achievement of surpassing 80,000 completed solar projects across the state and are providing over 2.25 gigawatt of solar capacity milestone,” NJBPU President Richard S. Mroz said.

The 2017 year is on track to be New Jersey’s third biggest year for completed solar projects and installed capacity behind 2016 and 2011. New Jersey now has the fourth highest cumulative amount of installed solar capacity in the United States.

New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan set a goal of 22.5 percent renewable energy, which it is on target to exceed. In July 2012, New Jersey enacted legislation that accelerated the state’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS) for solar energy and reduced solar alternate compliance payment (SACP) levels.

“We continue to advance our sustainable energy policies and ensure distributed solar energy generation will continue to play an important role in New Jersey’s energy future,” Mroz said.