Moorestown Considers Solar Panel Project Under NJ Pilot Program

MOORESTOWN, NJ — Moorestown is exploring the possibility of bringing a community solar project to the township under a state pilot program.

Moorestown council approved a resolution on Jan. 25 that allows Mayor Nicole Gillespie to sign letters to the Board of Public Utilities in support of and on behalf of community solar project applicants.

The program allows residents to opt-in to the solar garden and get credits on their energy bills.
Normally, residents would have solar panels on their home that are connected directly to their own panel. Under this program, energy would be generated in the garden and put back into the grid.

Residents who opt-in to the program receive credits toward their energy bills. The solar panels would be installed on township buildings.

Several companies have approached the township about the project, and the letter says the township would support them.

In May 2018, Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation mandating the creation of the Community Solar Energy Pilot Program. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities then adopted rules establishing the Community Solar Energy Pilot Program on Jan. 17, 2019, according to njcleanenergy.com.

Entities had until Friday to apply to participate in the second year of the program. Former councilman Greg Newcomer pushed for the township to use solar energy when he was on the governing body.

“I have lived for this day,” Newcomer said during the meeting. “It’s a tremendous thing to hear that the township will move forward with solar power.” He added he would be happy to help in any way possible.