SECAUCUS – The Murphy Administration on Jan 23rd, celebrated a major milestone in its clean energy transition. In December 2024, the state achieved 5 gigawatts (GW) of installed solar capacity, more than doubling its solar energy output since 2017. This significant accomplishment underscores New Jersey’s role as a national leader in climate action and clean energy innovation, reinforcing Governor Phil Murphy’s commitment to protecting New Jersey from harmful emissions, increasing affordability, revitalizing communities, and catalyzing economic development.

“With this milestone achievement in solar energy, we are building a strong foundation for renewable energy while combating the imminent threat of climate change and propelling our state forward on 100% clean electricity. By expanding solar programs and resources for homes and businesses, we are taking a whole-of-government approach to making solar energy more affordable and accessible than ever before,” said Governor Murphy.

Last year, Governor Murphy announced an additional $156 million from the U.S. EPA to deliver an additional 175 megawatts of solar energy to benefit 22,000 low-income households, resulting in approximately $250 million in total energy bill savings over 30 years for residents in newly connected households. In an effort to further incentivize the redevelopment of brownfields across New Jersey into new solar energy facilities, the Governor’s Office released a “Landfill to Solar” resource page to provide municipal governments and solar developers with a step-by-step guide to completing solar projects.

“Achieving the 5 GW milestone represents more than just a number,” said Christine Guhl-Sadovy, President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU). “Doubling the amount of installed solar capacity and crossing 5 GW since Governor Murphy took office reflects the hard work and commitment of the NJBPU to bolstering our solar sector and the thousands of good, local jobs it employs while transitioning New Jersey to a clean energy future.”

“New Jersey is leading the way on solar, meeting our clean energy and climate commitments while creating a thriving in-state clean energy economy,” said Eric Miller, Executive Director of the Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy. “Thanks to the NJBPU’s vision in developing nation-leading programs, the Murphy Administration is providing solar access to all New Jerseyans, regardless of income and location.”

To mark this achievement, NJBPU President Guhl-Sadovy was joined by local elected officials, business leaders, and environmental allies at Secaucus Ice Rink in Buchmuller Park—the site of a recently completed municipally-owned solar project. Completed in July 2024 by Schneider Electric, this 287.1 kilowatt installation represents the type of innovation and investment driving New Jersey’s clean energy transition. The project reduces municipal energy costs, decreases carbon emissions, and serves as a model for other communities seeking to adopt clean energy solutions.

“The town is very pleased with the outcome of these projects,” said Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli. “We greatly appreciate our partnership with the BPU and Schneider Electric as without their assistance we would not been able to complete these important energy savings measures. We will continue our efforts to rely on cleaner energy and look forward to further collaboration.”

“Projects like these benefit New Jersey residents in many ways, bringing jobs and clean energy to the Garden State and specifically, the 33rd Legislative District,” said Assemblyman Julio Marenco. “I commend Governor Murphy’s commitment to positioning New Jersey as a national leader in clean energy and delivering tangible results like these.”

“Hudson County Executive, Craig Guy, and the Hudson County Improvement Authority have been instrumental in facilitating dozens of solar energy projects, with more on the horizon,” said Amanda Nesheiwat, Director of Sustainability and Community Outreach, Hudson County Improvement Authority. “Hudson County has embraced solar energy wholeheartedly, and we continue to find innovative ways to incorporate it into our projects.  I am incredibly proud to be part of this effort, helping New Jersey reach this impressive 5 gigawatt milestone.”

“Schneider Electric is proud to celebrate New Jersey's achievement of 5 GW of solar energy,” said Bryan McGair, Account Executive, Sustainability Business, Schneider Electric. “Through collaborations with over 20 public entities, including the Town of Secaucus, we’ve contributed 24.5 MW of solar energy to the state’s clean energy transition, reinforcing our commitment to building resilient, sustainable communities.”

“The NJ Sierra Club is proud to join the BPU and our partners today to celebrate this milestone in NJ’s clean energy transition, hitting the benchmark of 5 gigawatts of solar power generated in-state. This is a massive amount of clean electricity that will serve the needs of New Jerseyans without harming our environment, polluting the air we breathe, or exacerbating climate change. Achieving this milestone continues to prove that transitioning to renewable energy sources, like solar and wind, are not a sacrifice or compromise but an asset," said NJ Sierra Club Chapter Director, Anjuli Ramos-Busot. “We thank the BPU for their work to protect NJ’s communities and the environment from the detrimental impacts of fossil fuel power generation, expand accessibility, increase energy affordability and continue to make our clean energy future a reality.”
“With this 5 GW milestone, in-state solar produces over 8% of the state’s power,” said Lyle Rawlings, President of the Mid-Atlantic Solar & Storage Industries Association.  "If we simply continue solar programs at the current rate, solar energy will play a key role in achieving Governor Murphy’s goal of 100% clean energy by 2035, while generating thousands of high-paying jobs and lowering consumer energy costs overall.”

Jan 23rd’s event recognizes New Jersey’s clean energy leadership, highlights the critical partnerships that have driven solar adoption, and reflects on the progress made under Governor Murphy’s Administration.

Later this year, Board staff anticipate opening the third solicitation for the Competitive Solar Incentive Program, building on the more than 300 megawatts approved last year, helping drive down costs and supporting more projects around the state.

Building on a Decade of Progress in Solar Energy

New Jersey’s solar energy portfolio grew from 2.41 GW at the end of 2017 to 5 GW by December 2024, a remarkable achievement that reflects the state’s aggressive push toward clean energy. Collectively, there are now over 209,000 installations throughout New Jersey.

In 2024, New Jersey saw nearly 400 megawatts of solar capacity installed, with a robust pipeline of grid-scale, community solar, along with the Dual-Use Agrivoltaics Pilot Program and rooftop solar yet to be developed. The considerable growth in solar helps the State achieve Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 315 goals, which sets the goal of 100% of the electricity sold in the State to be derived from clean sources of electricity by January 1, 2035.

The state’s installed solar capacity comprises:

-- 80.3% Net-Metered Solar: Rooftop systems on homes and businesses powering local needs.

-- 16.4% Grid-Supply Solar: Larger installations supplying power directly to the grid.

-- 3.3% Community Solar: Providing equitable access to clean energy for underserved communities.

Solar energy supports approximately 7,000 jobs across New Jersey, driving economic development and helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs for residents and businesses. 

About New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program (NJCEP) 
NJCEP, established on January 22, 2003, in accordance with the Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act (EDECA), provides financial and other incentives to the State's residential customers, businesses and schools that install high-efficiency or renewable energy technologies, thereby reducing energy usage, lowering customers' energy bills and reducing environmental impacts. The program is authorized and overseen by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), and its website is www.NJCleanEnergy.com.

About the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) 
NJBPU is a state agency and regulatory authority mandated to ensure safe, adequate and proper utility services at reasonable rates for New Jersey customers. Critical services regulated by NJBPU include natural gas, electricity, water, wastewater, telecommunications and cable television. The Board has general oversight and responsibility for monitoring utility service, responding to consumer complaints, and investigating utility accidents. To find out more about NJBPU, visit our website at www.nj.gov/bpu.