Solar advocates applaud New Jersey's renewable energy bill passage

TRENTON, USA: On Monday, New Jersey Governor Corzine signed the Solar Advancement and Fair Competition Act. The law solidifies New Jersey's already significant solar market and secures New Jersey's solar leadership role well into the future. New Jersey is currently home to over 4,600 solar installations and numerous solar companies.

In passing A3520/S2441, the Legislature makes statutory the state's Energy Master Plan goal of generating 2,164 GWh of solar power by 2020 and significantly increases the annual solar goals, envisioning more than 5 GW of solar capacity through 2026.

The bill's sponsors, Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula and Senator Bob Smith worked hand in hand with the local solar community to secure its passage and solidify the future of New Jersey's solar industry –an energy sector that will continue to create investments and new jobs across the state.

"Solar continues to demonstrate its benefits to the New Jersey economy, environment and energy mix," says Carrie Cullen Hitt, President of the Solar Alliance. "We are excited that the New Jersey Legislature has recognized solar's value and wants to capitalize on it."

"Although New Jersey is the second largest solar market in the US, it is unmatched in its vision and commitment to expanding solar markets through effective, forward-looking policies," said Rhone Resch, President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association.

"Thanks to the leadership of the Executive branch, the Board of Public Utilities and the New Jersey state legislature, the Garden State is poised to install more than five GW of solar by 2026. This is an excellent example of what state leaders in the mid-Atlantic region and across the country can do to foster vibrant solar markets that create thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity."

"By tapping into the sun, New Jersey supports local green jobs and delivers a secure, sustainable energy mix to ratepayers." says Shaun Chapman, Director of East Coast Campaigns for Vote Solar.

"This legislation will ensure that New Jersey continues to lead the country with a robust solar market through the next decade. This is a model other states can look towards for inspiration. I applaud New Jersey policymakers for their vision and look forward to seeing much continued success for solar energy in the Garden State."