Brookdale Says Solar Panel Parking Lot Will Save $250K In Electricity

MIDDLETOWN, NJ ? Hundreds of solar panels were unveiled this week on the two campuses of Brookdale Community College, in Lincroft and Wall.

The solar canopies were installed in the parking lots of both campuses, in front of the Robert J. Collins Arena in Lincroft.

These are very similar to the car canopy solar panels Middletown plans to install at the NJ Transit train station parking lot on Church Street. The canopy will cover about half of the Middletown train station parking lot, and will require the removal of about 20 trees at the lot. Middletown has not yet started the installation of the solar panels.

Brookdale said the installation of clean energy will help lower its electric bill, reduce its carbon footprint, combat rising electricity costs and earn money back on the investment. Brookdale estimated that the solar panels will yield over $250,000 in electric bill savings.

The almost 5-MWdc solar project was installed by Luminace, a subsidiary of Brookfield Renewables, one of the largest renewable asset managers in the United States.

Related: Middletown To Build Car Canopy With Solar Panels At Train Station (March 2021)

?Having a solar facility on campus was made possible with the encouragement and support of Commissioner Director Thomas Arnone and the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners,? said Brookdale President David M. Stout. ?We are honored to have partnered with Luminace, a pioneer in the renewable energy sector, on this state-of-the-art project. This is a significant step toward being a more green and environmentally friendly campus.?

Unlike rooftop installations, solar panel canopies can be angled or tilted to capture the sun as it moves across the sky, for maximum power generation potential. The panels will also provide shade and protection for students, employees and their vehicles. Some of the canopies will even feature electric vehicle charging stations.