Solar Energy in New Jersey from BySolar

In 2001, New Jersey had a total of six solar electric systems. As of January 1, 2011, New Jersey had completed the installation of over 8,030 solar electric systems, making it the second largest market (behind California) for solar power in the United States.

The large growth in solar electric systems has much to do with programs established by the New Jersey Clean Energy Program (NJCEP) and New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU). The NJCEP offers commercial, industrial, and municipal customers financial incentives and technical assistance to integrate energy efficiency measures and renewable technologies into building construction and renovation projects.

In 2005, the NJBPU introduced a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) which requires utilities supplying electricity to New Jersey consumers to have a portion of that energy generated from solar systems. To comply with the RPS, utilities have to purchase the solar attributes from solar producers in New Jersey.

Solar attributes are termed Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) and are awarded by the NJCEP to the solar system owner for each megawatt hour of electricity produced by the owner's system. Selling SRECs is a major source of revenue for solar system owners and helps to offset the solar system cost.

1. By: BySolar
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4. Added :25-Aug-11
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