New Jersey to receive over $156 million through U.S. EPA’s Solar for All program
TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) President Christine Guhl-Sadovy announced that New Jersey has been selected to receive $156.1 million in federal funding aimed at making affordable clean energy more accessible across the state.
Awarded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through its Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund: Solar for All program, this investment will enable the NJBPU to support solar access for multifamily affordable housing, establish pathways to residential solar ownership for low-income disadvantaged community (LIDAC) households, expand community solar initiatives, and support solar workforce development and critical grid upgrades.
The Solar for All award is expected to enable New Jersey to deploy more than 175 MW of solar energy benefiting 22,000 overburdened households within the first five years. The award could result in 240,000 short tons of CO2 emission reductions and approximately $250 million in total energy bill savings over 30 years for residents in newly connected households. Additionally, it will enable 90 MWh of associated storage through the NJBPU’s multifamily solar program.
“New Jersey is once again utilizing innovative strategies and equitable clean energy solutions to leverage the Biden Administration’s landmark investments,” said Governor Murphy. “In addition to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening New Jersey’s grid infrastructure, the projects supported by this unprecedented funding will produce significant cost-savings for hard-working New Jersey families.”
“The NJBPU is committed to ensuring that all New Jersey residents – regardless of their zip code or income – can reap the full environmental and financial benefits of our transition to a 100% clean energy economy,” said NJBPU President Guhl-Sadovy.
EPA released the $7 billion Solar for All Notice of Funding Opportunity on June 28, 2023, aiming to expand residential solar investment in low-income and disadvantaged communities.
The NJBPU plans several initiatives with this funding:
Community solar and enabling upgrades: Anticipated to serve approximately 15,500 households.
Multifamily solar including associated storage: Anticipated to serve approximately 5,500 households.
Residential solar: Anticipated to serve approximately 1,250 households.
Technical assistance & workforce development.
“I am thrilled that New Jersey has received $156 million to tackle major barriers preventing the adoption of solar energy by low-income and disadvantaged households,” said U.S. Senator Cory Booker.
“I am proud to have helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act into law,” said Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03). “The Solar for All grant program turns this law’s promises into action.”
“As a former electrician, I know how important our continued investment in solar power is,” said Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01).
“These investments will help ensure New Jersey is ready to do our part,” said Rep. Frank Pallone (NJ-06).
"Today's announcement underscores the transformative power of the Inflation Reduction Act’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund," said Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr. (D-NJ-09).
“I was proud to help New Jersey secure this $250 million,” said Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr (NJ-10).
“With the Solar For All program, we are helping make clean energy more affordable,” said Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11).
“This $250 million investment from the federal government does just that," said Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).
“I’m proud these projects are a win for our state," said Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05).
“New Jersey is at the forefront of climate action," said Senator Bob Smith.
“This funding will not only help achieve our climate goals but also spur innovation," said Senator Troy Singleton.
"NJ is a national leader taking bold action," said Kelvin Boddy from Housing and Community Development Network of NJ.
“The Solar for All program will help residents who live with energy insecurity see financial savings," said Ed Potosnak from New Jersey LCV.
"The Sierra Club welcomes federal funding coming right here," stated Anjuli Ramos-Busot from Sierra Club New Jersey Chapter.
"As Newark environmental justice leaders...this momentous achievement marks a significant milestone," remarked Maria Lopez-Nunez from Ironbound Community Corporation.
