As a part of Hoboken’s Climate Action Plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, the city of Hoboken and the Hoboken Housing Authority on Thursday announced the launch of the Hoboken Community Solar Pilot Program.
The program will provide discounted clean solar energy to the HHA and other low- and moderate-income residents. It is projected to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions from the HHA and will also provide up to 25 HHA residents with green business job training opportunities through the Green Workforce Training Program, scheduled to begin June 27. The training includes three weeks of classroom and hands-on training in construction safety, electrical basics and solar installation.
“Not only will the launch of our Community Solar Program provide a clean, renewable energy source to residents of the Housing Authority, but it will also provide important cost savings as well,” Mayor Ravi Bhalla said. “Reducing our greenhouse gas emissions through projects like this one, at no additional cost to the Hoboken taxpayer, is a win-win for our community, and the latest step we’re taking to achieve the goals of our Hoboken Climate Action Plan.”
“All of us are excited for the opportunity for the Hoboken Housing Authority to partner with the city of Hoboken in the Community Solar Program,” HHA Executive Director Marc Recko said. “The future savings in utility costs that HHA realizes through this program will directly benefit HHA residents. Just as importantly, the job training that is being made available to HHA residents will prepare them for a future in the alternative energy industry, moving all to the goal of self-sufficiency for all HHA families.”
Through the program, HHA residents and other low- to moderate-income residents in master metered buildings, or buildings that cover the utility cost for multiple units, will receive solar energy from a remote solar project in Elizabeth. Energy generated by the solar panels built at that location will be allocated for the city of Hoboken, specifically residents of the HHA. The pilot program comes at no cost to the Hoboken taxpayer through a partnership with Hartz Solar, Gabel Associates and nonprofit Solar One.
The program is estimated to provide a 25% savings to the Hoboken Housing Authority. The estimated cost of these savings will be deposited into a HHA Community Solar Fund, which will be allocated for an energy or sustainability project with direct community benefits. The specific project to be funded will be decided by HHA residents through future community engagement sessions hosted by the HHA and solar administrator Gabel Associates this summer.
For more information, or to apply, click here.
