New Solar Park Opens In Gloucester Township

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Gloucester Township unveiled its new 3.43MW DC solar park at the former Owens Corning Fiberglass property at 300 Somerdale Road Friday morning, officials said. It is the largest grid-tied solar project in the township.

The township says the park, which is owned and operated by Marina Energy, is estimated to produce 4,428,150 kWh per year. The township projects $830,000 in lease payments will come from the park to help the township.

It contains 10,566 solar panels with 325Watt modules installed on a 14.4 square acre “capped” landfill, township officials said. The township estimates the plant will save 3,179 tons of CO2 per year, equivalent of CO2 offset of 79,706 trees.

“Gloucester Township has been leading the way in implementing numerous solar energy projects over the past several years, and we are proud to be cutting the ribbon for the solar park this Friday. Gloucester Township’s robust solar program currently features a total of 12 sites on government buildings, schools and landfills with the GT Timber Creek Solar Park being the largest single location project to-date,” Gloucester Township Mayor David R. Mayer said in a release. “People want to see their municipalities not only be cost efficient in energy but also make an impact on the wellbeing of future generations. And in Gloucester Township we strive to align economic objectives with community values while improving the environment at the same time.”

“Solar power is a clean, cost-effective technology that reduces greenhouse gases for homes and businesses across South Jersey,” Marina Energy Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Robert Fatzinger said. “Marina Energy is proud to work with Gloucester Township on this important renewable energy project. We value our relationship with the township, and we look forward to working collaboratively with the Mayor and others to improve the township’s energy use in the future.”

The township partnered with PVNavigator, Conshohocken-based Miller Brothers Design and Construction, Marina Energy LLC, and Blue Sky Power, the township’s energy consultant.

“The successful conclusion of this solar project realizes our early vision for the landfill site, where an otherwise development constrained land parcel has been given new life as a renewable power project,” PV Navigator President Dr. Ian Webster said. “Marina Energy and PVNavigator worked in a well-coordinated partnership with the township for the planning, permitting, design and construction steps.”

"As electric generation in the U.S. continues to shift and evolve, clean energy, including solar, is an increasingly important part of the mix," Miller Bros. President Harry B. Miller III. "With solar projects, such as this grid-connected system in Gloucester Township, Miller Bros. delighted to support Marina Energy in achieving their goals with engineering and construction services – goals that are good for New Jersey and our energy future. I would also like to thank the entire Marina team, along with the National Electrical Contractors Association and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for helping to create such a successful project where everyone involved should be proud."

“The GT Timber Creek Solar Park is another great example of making clean energy economically beneficial for Gloucester Township residents and taxpayers,” Blue Sky Power CEO Ben Parvey said. “The township’s solar projects at schools and government facilities are saving the township, GT School and Black Horse Pike Regional approximately $5 million over the term; and the GT Timber Creek Solar Project is adding $830,000 in revenue to the township.”

The GT Timber Creek Solar Park, as well as the Solar PPA projects, the Energy Savings Improvement Program and a proposed project at the GEMS landfill, are all part of the township’s Energy Master Plan.

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