An installation by 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 its solar energy output since 2017. This significant accomplishment underscores New Jersey’s role as a national leader in climate action and clean energy innovation, reinforcing Gov. Phil Murphy’s commitment to protecting New Jersey from harmful emissions, increasing affordability, revitalizing communities and catalyzing economic development.
“With this milestone achievement in solar energy, we are building a strong foundation for renewable energy while combating the imminent threat of climate change and propelling our state forward on 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 Gov. Murphy.
Last year, Murphy announced an additional $156 million from the U.S. EPA to deliver an additional 175 MW of solar energy to benefit 22,000 low-income households, resulting in approximately $250 million in total energy bill savings over 30 years for residents in newly connected households. In an effort to further incentivize the redevelopment of brownfields across New Jersey into new solar energy facilities, the Governor’s Office released a “Landfill to Solar” resource page to provide municipal governments and solar developers with a step-by-step guide to completing solar projects.
“Achieving the 5 GW milestone represents more than just a number,” said Christine Guhl-Sadovy, President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU). “Doubling the amount of installed solar capacity and crossing 5 GW since Governor Murphy took office reflects the hard work and commitment of the NJBPU to bolstering our solar sector and the thousands of good, local jobs it employs while transitioning New Jersey to a clean energy future.”
To mark this achievement, NJBPU President Guhl-Sadovy was joined by local elected officials, business leaders and environmental allies at Secaucus Ice Rink in Buchmuller Park — the site of a recently completed municipally-owned solar 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 anticipate opening the third solicitation for the Competitive Solar Incentive Program, building on the more than 300 MW approved last year, helping drive down costs and supporting more projects around the state.
Building on a decade of progress in solar energy
New Jersey’s solar energy portfolio grew from 2.41 GW at the end of 2017 to 5 GW by December 2024. Collectively, there are now over 209,000 installations throughout New Jersey.
In 2024, New Jersey saw nearly 400 MW of solar capacity installed, with a robust pipeline of grid-scale, community solar, along with the Dual-Use Agrivoltaics Pilot Program and rooftop solar yet to be developed. The considerable growth in solar helps the State achieve Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 315 goals, which sets the goal of 100% of the electricity sold in the State to be derived from clean sources of electricity by January 1, 2035.
The state’s installed solar capacity comprises:
- 80.3% Net-Metered Solar: Rooftop systems on homes and businesses powering local needs.
- 16.4% Grid-Supply Solar: Larger installations supplying power directly to the grid.
- 3.3% Community Solar: Providing equitable access to clean energy for underserved communities.
News item from NJBPU
