An installation of KSI in New Jersey.
The Murphy Administration today celebrated a major milestone in New Jersey’s clean energy transition. In December 2024, the state achieved 5 GW of installed solar capacity, more than doubling solar energy production since 2017. This significant achievement underscores New Jersey’s role as a national leader in climate action and clean energy innovation, reinforcing Governor Phil Murphy’s commitment to protect New Jersey from harmful emissions, increase affordability, revitalize communities and catalyze economic development.
“With this solar milestone, we are building a strong foundation for renewable energy as we combat the immediate threat of climate change and move our state forward to 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, Murphy announced an additional $156 million from the U.S. EPA to provide an additional 175 MW of solar energy to serve 22,000 low-income households, resulting in total energy bill savings of approximately $250 million over a period of 30 years for residents of newly connected households. In an effort to further encourage the redevelopment of brownfields throughout New Jersey into new solar energy facilities, the Governor’s Office has released a report Source page “Landfill to Solar”. to provide municipal governments and solar developers with a step-by-step guide to completing solar projects.
“Reaching the 5 GW milestone represents more than just a number,” said Christine Guhl-Sadovy, chair of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU). “Doubling the amount of installed solar capacity and exceeding 5 GW since Governor Murphy took office reflects the NJBPU’s hard work and commitment to strengthening our solar industry and the thousands of good, local jobs it provides while New Jersey is transitioning to a clean energy future.”
To celebrate this achievement, NJBPU President Guhl-Sadovy was joined by local elected officials, business leaders and environmental allies at the Secaucus Ice Rink in Buchmuller Park – the site of a recently completed municipal solar energy project. Completed in July 2024 by Schneider Electric, this 287.1 kW installation represents the type of innovation and investment driving New Jersey’s clean energy transition.
Later this year, board staff expects to open the third Competitive Solar Incentive Program solicitation, building on the more than 300 MW approved last year, reducing costs and supporting more projects across the state.
Building on ten years of progress in solar energy
New Jersey’s solar portfolio grew from 2.41 GW at the end of 2017 to 5 GW by December 2024. Collectively, there are now more than 209,000 installations across New Jersey.
Nearly 400 MW of solar capacity was installed in New Jersey by 2024, with a robust pipeline of electricity-scale solar, along with the Dual-Use Agrivoltaics Pilot Program and yet-to-be-developed rooftop solar. The significant growth in solar energy is helping the state meet Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 315 goals, which sets a goal for 100% of electricity sold in the state to come from clean energy sources by January 1, 2035 electricity sources.
The state’s installed solar capacity includes:
- 80.3% net-metered solar: rooftop systems on homes and businesses that power local needs.
- 16.4% Solar energy on the grid: Larger installations that supply power directly to the grid.
- 3.3% Community Solar: Providing equitable access to clean energy for underserved communities.
News item from NJBPU