Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., Mayor John E. McCormac, and Solar Landscape Energize New Community Solar Project that Created Jobs, Lowers Energy Costs, and Expands Access to Renewable Energy

Woodbridge Township, NJ – November 1, 2023 – Together, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Woodbridge Township Mayor John E. McCormac and Solar Landscape today energized New Jersey’s latest community solar project on a warehouse rooftop in Avenel, NJ.

By the end of this week, Solar Landscape will have energized 50 projects totaling over 60 MW (DC) that will serve nearly 10,000 households, more than half of which will qualify as low- or moderate-income (LMI).

The renewable energy portfolio will save residents over $2,000,000 per year off their home energy bills.

The 1.1-megawatt (DC) rooftop community solar project energized in Avenel today will generate solar energy at a discount for local residents. It is the second community solar project hosted by RPM Warehousing & Transportation. The combined 4.3-megawatt capacity renewable energy projects hosted by RPM will serve 700 nearby households and save residents over $150,000 per year on their home energy bills. The Avenel installation, consisting of more than 2,300 panels, creates equitable access to clean energy for low- and moderate-income households.

“I’m proud to join Solar Landscape and Edison Job Corps today to announce the launch of a new community solar project that will lower costs for families in New Jersey, continue our transition to a clean energy economy, and create new jobs right here at home. These investments help ensure our state is ready to tackle the challenges of the climate crisis head on,” Congressman Pallone said. “This project is just more proof that we can empower our workers with new, good paying jobs as we work to lower costs for hardworking Americans. I’m proud that our state is leading the way on our path toward a clean, low-carbon future and showing that we don’t have to choose between fighting climate change and economic growth. As the top Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Committee, I’ll continue to advocate for investments in our transition to a clean economy.”

Group photo caption (left to right): BPU Chief of Staff Taryn Boland, Solar Landscape CEO and Co-Founder Shaun Keegan, U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., Woodbridge Township Mayor John E. McCormac, Woodbridge Redevelopment Agency Chief-of-Staff and Director Caroline Ehrlich, Edison Job Corps Business Community Liaison Tony Staynings.

“Woodbridge Township is excited to again welcome Congressman Pallone to Woodbridge as we announce our partnership with Solar Landscape to implement a brand-new community solar project that will serve approximately 700 households and that will assist our residents save money on their electric bills while reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Woodbridge Mayor John E. McCormac. “Community solar projects allow access to solar energy without installing panels or owning your own home and, as a result, the program helps to widen the range of residents able to participate in the clean energy transition. I am proud of our local businesses, like RPM Warehousing & Transportation, for taking this important step toward realizing the many benefits of acting as host site for these fantastic renewable energy endeavors. Expanding access to solar within our community helps ensure clean energy equity and reaffirms the Township’s commitment to innovative clean energy initiatives contributing to the health and sustainability of our community.”

“Today marks a major milestone in making clean energy affordable and accessible to everyone,” said Shaun Keegan, CEO and co-founder of Solar Landscape. “Community solar is an equitable and scalable clean energy model, as we’ve demonstrated in New Jersey and across the country. We’re grateful to Representative Pallone, Mayor McCormac and our many partners for their leadership and vision to make community solar a clean energy success story that creates jobs and reduces costs for residents.”

The RPM community solar projects will serve 700 nearby households with lower-cost energy.

The renewable energy milestone is being celebrated during the U.S. Department of Energy’s Justice Week 2023, which focuses on creating a more equitable, clean, and just energy future, key principles behind New Jersey’s community solar program.

The project was approved as part of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities’ Community Solar Energy Pilot Program. Rapidly gaining support throughout the state, the program is paving the way for a clean energy transition that is accessible to all residents regardless of income.

Community solar installations on commercial and industrial rooftops can quickly create affordable clean energy for communities across the country. Due to their smaller size, they have faster project development timelines and avoid lengthy regional interconnection delays. Commercial/industrial rooftop projects located closer to urban and suburban load centers also create more ratepayer value than ground-mounted projects that are often located on open space in rural areas. Because they are sited closer to residential centers, they also create workforce and societal value benefits.

Residents interested in signing up for community solar can visit www.solarlandscape.com.

High-resolution event photos and aerial video and photos of the RPM community solar projects, are available here.

Celebrating Progress in Workforce Development

In addition to celebrating the activation of new projects, the group also recognized the achievements of STEP-UP (Solar Training and Education Partnerships for Underserved Populations), Solar Landscape’s nationally recognized workforce development program. It has trained nearly 300 adults in hands-on, multi-day sessions in Illinois, Maryland, New Mexico and New Jersey. Through adult trainings, train-the-trainer sessions for educators, and the program’s curriculum for students, the program has reached more than 2,400 individuals.

STEP-UP has entered into a collaborative working agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technology Office, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to increase the scope of the program, including additional trainings primarily for residents of disadvantaged communities.

“STEP-UP is a great example of how we can grow our clean energy economy and include community members at the same time,” said Tony Staynings, Business Community Liaison for Edison Job Corps. “We’re proud to partner with Solar Landscape to bring solar installation classes to New Jersey communities, creating new job opportunities and brighter futures for our residents. Activating this installation in Woodbridge is a great example of how community solar drives clean energy, workforce development and lower costs for subscribers.”

About Solar Landscape 

Solar Landscape is the leading commercial and industrial rooftop solar developer in the U.S. with experience in both community solar and behind-the-meter solar projects. The company employs over 160 people and has built over 250 megawatts of solar energy projects, and currently has over 150 megawatts operating and under construction. For more about Solar Landscape, visit www.solarlandscape.com.