A Greener Future For NJ Starts With Community Solar: Here's What You Need to Know

After a successful two-year pilot program, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities recently established a permanent Community Solar Energy Program designed to provide more New Jersey residents — especially from low- and moderate-income households — greater access to clean energy and significantly lower utility bills. The new program will support enough solar to enroll about 30,000 subscribers across the state. 

‍Community Solar comes with big benefits — financially and environmentally. Since the start of New Jersey’s pilot program, Community Solar customers have saved as much as $1.5 million on their monthly energy bills. This equals monthly savings of at least 15%. With utility rates on the rise, these savings can add up quickly, especially in overburdened areas.

Community Solar is poised to play a big role in New Jersey’s efforts to transition to 100% clean energy with the potential to meet 30% to 40% of its energy capacity needs by 2035. Community solar doesn’t pollute the air like coal, gas, oil and other fossil fuels and can help prevent more than 45,500 metric tons of carbon emissions each year. 

What is Community Solar?

‍Community Solar allows residents and local businesses shared access to solar and its benefits 100% virtually. By subscribing to a Community Solar project, you can reduce your carbon footprint and electricity costs without making any changes to your rooftop or home.

This is a great option for homeowners and renters alike who are interested in a flexible way to support clean energy, but who may not be able to install solar panels on their own property because they lack suitable roof space, live in rented or multi-family properties or cannot afford the upfront installation costs. Subscribers still receive electricity from their utility company, so there are no changes to service. The energy generated by the community solar facilities is sent directly into the local power grid, thereby increasing the total amount of clean energy available to the area. And if you decide to move within New Jersey, you can likely take your Community Solar contract with you to your new home.

New Jersey Has Transitioned to Utility-Consolidated Billing

‍While most Community Solar subscribers in the United States receive an additional monthly invoice to pay for their discounted solar credits, subscribers across New Jersey can now enjoy the benefit of Utility-Consolidated Billing. Once enrolled in Community Solar and solar credits begin accumulating, subscribers receive just one monthly consolidated bill from their existing electric utility provider. This bill contains both the subscriber's usual supply and delivery charges plus the adjusted solar discount, which is deducted from the total due. Utility-Consolidated Billing also simplifies the application process, which is a win for both Community Solar providers and their subscribers.

Choosing the Right Company for Your Community Solar Needs

‍While many companies claim that they can provide renewable energy and save you money, not all companies deliver on their promises. It’s important to look for a Community Solar provider that is independently owned and operated and fully in control of the process, from start to finish. Be wary of companies that insist on an upfront or annual commitment or claim that you must switch your existing utility provider to participate in Community Solar. These are major red flags!

At Altus Power, for example, once enrolled, all customers’ utility service remains unchanged except for a monthly credit on their utility bill for the energy generated by their local solar facility. Savings will depend on local utility rates, but on average, Altus Power New Jersey Community Solar customers save an average of $400 on their electricity bills annually.

Get Started Today

‍Again, signing up for Community Solar is easy and should be completely free! If you’re interested in becoming an Altus Power customer, you can simply sign up here and once your enrollment is complete, you’ll start receiving solar credits on your monthly utility bill. 

Limited spots are available in the statewide program, with priority access given to those who qualify for certain state benefits. To learn more about how to qualify, please visit http://www.altuspower.com/nj.