State Celebrates 5 Gigawatt Solar Energy Milestone

On Jan 24, 2025

The Murphy administration yesterday celebrated its achievement of reaching 5 gigawatts (GW) of installed solar capacity in December 2024, more than doubling its solar energy output since 2017.

“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. Phil Murphy.

Last year, Murphy announced an additional $156 million from the U.S. EPA to deliver an additional 175 megawatts 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.”

“New Jersey is leading the way on solar, meeting our clean energy and climate commitments while creating a thriving in-state clean energy economy,” said Eric Miller, Executive Director of the Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy. “Thanks to the NJBPU’s vision in developing nation-leading programs, the Murphy Administration is providing solar access to all New Jerseyans, regardless of income and location.”

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 kilowatt installation reduces municipal energy costs, decreases carbon emissions, and serves as a model for other communities seeking to adopt clean energy solutions.

“The town is very pleased with the outcome of these projects,” said Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli. “We greatly appreciate our partnership with the BPU and Schneider Electric as without their assistance we would not been able to complete these important energy savings measures. We will continue our efforts to rely on cleaner energy and look forward to further collaboration.”

“Schneider Electric is proud to celebrate New Jersey’s achievement of 5 GW of solar energy,” said Bryan McGair, account executive, sustainability business, Schneider Electric. “Through collaborations with over 20 public entities, including the Town of Secaucus, we’ve contributed 24.5 MW of solar energy to the state’s clean energy transition, reinforcing our commitment to building resilient, sustainable communities.”

“With this 5 GW milestone, in-state solar produces over 8% of the state’s power,” said Lyle Rawlings, president of the Mid-Atlantic Solar & Storage Industries Association.  “If we simply continue solar programs at the current rate, solar energy will play a key role in achieving Governor Murphy’s goal of 100% clean energy by 2035, while generating thousands of high-paying jobs and lowering consumer energy costs overall.”

Later this year, the NJBPU anticipates opening the third solicitation for the Competitive Solar Incentive Program, building on the more than 300 megawatts approved last year, helping drive down costs and supporting more projects around the state.

In 2024, New Jersey saw nearly 400 megawatts 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 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.

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