Newark: Making Clean Energy an Affordability Solution for Every Resident
Newark expanded community solar access to over 2,000 renters and homeowners, unlocking nearly $26M in projected long term energy savings.
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Clean energy affordability beyond the rooftop
Energy costs represent one of the most significant recurring expenses for both renters and homeowners, and rising utility bills have made affordability an even greater concern across the city of Newark.
Yet the people who could benefit most from solar energy: renters and residents of multifamily housing, have historically had the fewest opportunities to participate.
Like many cities, Newark faced a fundamental question: how can clean energy become a practical affordability solution for everyone, not just homeowners with suitable rooftops?
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Solar savings without a single panel installed
Working through New Jersey's Community Solar Energy Program (CSEP) administered by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, Newark helped expand access to community solar, giving residents an opportunity to lower electricity costs without installing panels on their homes.
Community solar allows residents to subscribe to a local solar project and receive bill credits on their utility account without installing solar panels on their own home or apartment building. This model opens the door for renters, multifamily residents, and homeowners whose properties may not be suitable for solar installations.
By removing many of the traditional barriers associated with rooftop solar, the program opened participation to a much broader cross-section of the community while supporting the city's broader goals around affordability, energy equity, and sustainability.
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Thousands enrolled, millions in projected savings
The initiative has connected thousands of Newark residents with community solar, creating meaningful opportunities for long-term utility bill savings while expanding access to renewable energy.
Beyond the direct financial benefits, the program demonstrated that community solar can deliver measurable value in dense urban communities where rooftop solar alone cannot meet resident needs. It also increased awareness of community solar as a practical resource for households looking to manage rising energy costs.
The initiative has generated measurable impact for Newark residents:
- More than 2,000 renters and homeowners enrolled
- Creates nearly $26 million in projected energy savings over the 20-year operating life of assigned community solar projects
- Expanded access to solar benefits for residents who may not have been eligible for traditional rooftop solar
- Increased awareness of community solar as an affordability resource (possible rather have it as an energy assistance program for all residents since affordability resource is mentioned in the next paragraph
Beyond the direct financial benefits, the program demonstrated that community solar can deliver measurable value in dense urban communities where rooftop solar alone cannot meet resident needs. It also increased awareness of community solar as a practical resource for households looking to manage rising energy costs.
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Clean energy benefits for far more people
Newark illustrates how community solar can help cities translate clean-energy investments into everyday benefits for residents.
Rather than limiting participation to those who own homes, community solar makes the economic advantages of renewable energy available to far more people. As municipalities continue searching for ways to improve affordability and strengthen community resilience, Newark offers an example of how expanding access to clean energy can produce lasting benefits for households and communities alike.
Clear, business-focused result:
Access Expanded
Renters and multifamily residents gained solar savings without installing anything
Affordability Delivered
Nearly $26M in projected savings over the life of assigned projects
Model Proven
Community solar demonstrated as a repeatable affordability tool for dense urban communities