Priority solar legislation scheduled for April 12th floor vote

In order to continue our quest to build a thriving clean and green statewide energy network, we need the New Jerseyan Legislature to support S2314/A3723. This initiative will keep the New Jersey's primary solar renewable energy credit incentive, SRECs, available through the year 2021. This incentive has brought the benefits of solar power to more than 80,000 households statewide since its inception.

The bill also strengthens the requirement for utilities offer net metering to its solar customers. Net metering allows solar owners to get credit for the electricity they generate, lowering their electric bills. At present, New Jersey's utilities cap the amount of net metering they allow among their customer base; the new bill will raise that cap, helping more New Jerseyans go solar and save money. Both provisions are vital to the state's robust solar movement.

Keep in mind, that investments made by families to install a rooftop solar system have a positive net benefit for all New Jerseyans. Solar energy has never been more affordable across all areas of the state. It’s no longer a niche or fad product. Taken together, net metering and the SREC program, incentivizes residents to install rooftop solar, and we thank the legislature for recognizing that.

In terms of expanding the availability of rooftop solar in the state, the legislature should look at the successful “Solar for All” program in Washington DC.

Finally, this bill also empowers the state Board of Public Utilities to authorize Community Solar projects. Community solar allows people unable to install solar (such as renters or homeowners with shady roofs) to benefit from solar energy.

Rooftop solar and community solar should be complementary pieces. With enactment of this proposal, Community Solar can be made available for the benefit of residents with conditions that preclude rooftop solar. It should not simply be a vehicle for folks to avoid installing rooftop solar for merely aesthetic purposes.

Both bills are scheduled for floor consideration by the state Senate and Assembly on April 12th. Supporting solar energy has societal benefits for all citizens of the Garden State. Please contact your legislators and keep solar thriving in New Jersey.