A coalition of elected officials, business, political and environmental leaders hailed the Murphy administration’s move to dramatically expand access to solar power at an event on a commercial rooftop solar installation in East Brunswick on Monday.
The event was held on the rooftop of an East Brunswick warehouse owned by Greek Real Estate Partners. Solar developers like Solar Landscape lease the rooftops from building owners for the use of their space, extending the economic benefits of clean energy to local businesses.
The press conference was organized in response to the Board of Public Utilities’ (BPU) decision last week to strengthen and expand the state’s community solar program, which allows working families to purchase solar energy even when they can’t put solar panels on their homes.
Solar energy offers the lowest cost of electricity currently available, so the program’s expansion will enable working families across New Jersey to lower their energy bills — while also boosting renewable energy and creating union jobs.
“We applaud Gov. Murphy and his administration for taking a concrete step to tackle high energy prices by expanding access to a program that creates local jobs while fighting climate change,” said Allison McLeod, deputy director of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters. “Community solar represents a win for the environment, a win for the businesses who benefit from hosting solar projects, a win for workers and, most important, a win for working families who will see their monthly energy bills dramatically decrease as they plug into clean, renewable energy.”
Last week, the BPU approved another 250 megawatts (MW) of generation for community solar projects across the state. This decision will allow working families and businesses across the state to make the switch to solar energy. Community solar already serves more than 28,000 families and businesses across the state.
“It is an honor to be in East Brunswick today in celebrating the advancement of renewable energy through this important solar panel installation,” said Assemblyman Robert J. Karabinchak (D-Middlesex). “Supporting clean and sustainable energy solutions is not only a responsible environmental choice but a critical step toward long-term economic resilience and public health. I remain committed to championing initiatives that prioritize innovation, sustainability and a stronger, greener future for all.”
“Climate change is one of the important challenges we face as a society today. As someone who not only represents but also lives in East Brunswick, I am incredibly proud to see East Brunswick become a part of a larger network of municipalities embracing community solar power,” said Assemblyman Sterley S. Stanley (D). “The BPU’s decision to expand an additional 250 MW of community solar is another huge step in ensuring New Jersey stays on track with its promise to rely more on clean energy and offer better and more efficient energy options for our residents. I want to thank the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters for their tireless advocacy, and I am excited to bear witness to the completion of not just this project but all future clean energy projects in our community.”
“New Jersey is leading the nation in delivering the benefits of community solar to its residents, and we’re proud to work with Greek Real Estate Partners on commercial rooftop solar projects like this one,” said solar landscape general counsel and EVP of Government Affairs Grace Power. “Generating energy on commercial rooftops and distributing it to the grid is America’s most shovel-ready way to address the country’s energy crisis — it mitigates rising energy costs, creates jobs and reduces the burden on grid infrastructure.”
This project, which is currently under construction, will serve nearly 150 homes and, on average, provide more than $400 in annual energy savings to each participating household.
“Community solar is a great tool to boost our local economy by creating jobs right here in East Brunswick,” said East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen. “We fully support Gov. Murphy’s push to expand this program and look forward to other businesses across our town making use of community solar for many years to come.”
