State celebrates milestone: It has doubled its installed solar capacity (now 5GW) since 2017

State celebrates milestone: It has doubled its installed solar capacity (now 5GW) since 2017

The state’s strong interest in building an offshore wind energy sector in New Jersey has been the main talking point of the administration’s clean energy efforts – but it’s far from the only effort being made.

Last week, the state announced it has reached a major milestone in its clean energy transition thanks to efforts in solar projects.

In December 2024, the state achieved 5 gigawatts (GW) of installed solar capacity, more than doubling its solar energy output since 2017, Murphy administration officials said.

Gov. Phil Murphy said this accomplishment underscores the state’s efforts to serve as a national leader in climate action and clean energy innovation.

“With this milestone achievement in solar energy, we are building a strong foundation for renewable energy while combating the imminent threat of climate change and propelling our state forward on 100% clean electricity,” he said. “By expanding solar programs and resources for homes and businesses, we are taking a whole-of-government approach to making solar energy more affordable and accessible than ever before.”

Collectively, there are now over 209,000 installations throughout New Jersey. In 2024, New Jersey saw nearly 400 megawatts of solar capacity installed, with a robust pipeline of grid-scale, community solar, along with the Dual-Use Agrivoltaics Pilot Program and rooftop solar yet to be developed.

The considerable growth in solar is part of the state’s efforts to achieve Murphy’s Executive Order 315 goals, which sets the goal of 100% of the electricity sold in the state to be derived from clean sources of electricity by Jan. 1, 2035.

It’s a goal many do not feel is realistic, but attempting to achieve it will help tremendously, Murphy administration officials have said.

Last year, Murphy announced an additional $156 million from the U.S. EPA to deliver an additional 175 megawatts of solar energy to benefit 22,000 low-income households, resulting in approximately $250 million in total energy bill savings over 30 years for residents in newly connected households.

In an effort to further incentivize the redevelopment of brownfields across New Jersey into new solar energy facilities, the Governor’s Office released a “Landfill to Solar” resource page to provide municipal governments and solar developers with a step-by-step guide to completing solar projects.

BPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy applauded the achievement.

“Achieving the 5 GW milestone represents more than just a number,” she said. “Doubling the amount of installed solar capacity and crossing 5 GW since Gov. Murphy took office reflects the hard work and commitment of the NJBPU to bolstering our solar sector and the thousands of good, local jobs it employs while transitioning New Jersey to a clean energy future.”

Eric Miller, executive director of the Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy obviously agreed.

“New Jersey is leading the way on solar, meeting our clean energy and climate commitments while creating a thriving in-state clean energy economy,” he said. “Thanks to the NJBPU’s vision in developing nation-leading programs, the Murphy Administration is providing solar access to all New Jerseyans, regardless of income and location.”

The state celebrated the milestone by holding an event at the Secaucus Ice Rink in Buchmuller Park — the site of a recently completed municipally-owned solar project.

Completed in July 2024 by Schneider Electric, this 287.1-kilowatt installation represents the type of innovation and investment driving New Jersey’s clean energy transition, state officials said. The project reduces municipal energy costs, decreases carbon emissions, and serves as a model for other communities seeking to adopt clean energy solutions.

“The town is very pleased with the outcome of these projects,” Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli said. “We greatly appreciate our partnership with the BPU and Schneider Electric as without their assistance we would not been able to complete these important energy savings measures. We will continue our efforts to rely on cleaner energy and look forward to further collaboration.”