PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced the first of dozens of community solar projects in the state went live this week in Perth Amboy. The projects promise to deliver clean energy to low and moderate income neighborhoods throughout the state, including several in South Jersey.
As the most densely populated state in the nation, Murphy said New Jersey, more than anywhere else, needs to harness the clean and renewable energy that solar provides. Too often though, money is a barrier.
"We've been driven by the knowledge that not only is community solar good energy policy, but it an important step in environmental justice. It is a tremendous vehicle for creating new jobs in the clean energy economy," he said.
Murphy added the community solar projects bring critical investment to corners of the state that have been long overlooked.
"Everybody should be able to take advantage of the opportunities that solar energy provides, regardless of where they live or regardless of their income level," he said.
There are currently more than 45 projects approved in the Garden State with others pending.
Once the solar panels are active, residents and businesses that likely would have been priced out of solar energy will be able to sign up for a subscription and receive credits on their energy bill.