First State-Led Dual-Use Agrivoltaics Pilot Program Launched

On Oct 24, 2024

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) has approved rules for and launched the Dual-Use Agrivoltaics Pilot Program (“Dual-Use Pilot”), one of the first dual-use agrivoltaics programs in the country. The pilot program will incorporate solar panels on designated farmland, advancing a technology that will produce renewable energy while securing a new revenue stream for farmers across the Garden State.

“In the Garden State, we are pursuing one of the most transformational plans in the nation to move away from fossil fuels, reduce emissions, and deliver a green economy for all New Jerseyans to enjoy,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “This announcement represents just one of many innovative approaches we are taking to introduce renewable energy into all corners of our state. With the Dual-Use Agrivoltaics Pilot Program, we are advancing our solar energy goals and creating a powerful new tool to create revenue streams for our vibrant agricultural community while promoting farmland preservation.”

Public input was critical to the development of the Dual-Use Pilot. Over the last year, the NJBPU held a stakeholder process to develop the Dual-Use Pilot in collaboration with the state Departments of Agriculture and Environmental Protection, and Rutgers University. The NJBPU released the preliminary draft rules for public comment in June followed by the straw proposal, which was published last November.

The Dual-Use Pilot will facilitate the installation and operation of up to 200 megawatts of solar over three years. It will generate research results needed to inform a permanent program that may include standards for construction and operation for these types of projects through the Board’s grant agreement with the Rutgers Agrivoltaics Program (RAP) to facilitate and implement the Dual-Use Pilot. A major part of evaluating potential projects includes RAP providing expertise for setting research requirements, construction best practices, project monitoring, and evaluation.

Under the Board’s approval to launch the Dual-Use Pilot Program, Staff will issue a Notice of Incentive Availability (“NOIA”) in January next year, inviting interested parties to submit expressions of interest for pre-qualification into the Dual-Use Pilot.

The NJBPU Solar program is a nation-leading program with over 205,000 solar installations and a total capacity of 4.9 GW since the NJBPU’s incentive programs started in 2000 (that total rises to 6.2 total GW when accounting for projects in the pipeline). In 2023, the State saw its highest number of solar applications processed in a given year (22,330), the highest number of residential installations in 10 years (192 MW), and record growth in community solar (81 projects, 97 MW). In 2024, the Board made awards to more than 300 MW of solar projects in its Competitive Solar Incentive (CSI) Program, the cheapest solar ever incentivized in the state.

“The Board’s action today marks a major milestone and further solidifies New Jersey as a national leader in solar development,” said NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy. “Dual-use agrivoltaics will ensure responsible solar development on farmland and help us provide affordable solar alternatives to more New Jersey residents.”

President Guhl-Sadovy said the program represents a crucial step in efforts to counter the adverse effects of climate change, as clean energy solutions like solar power play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reaching 100% clean electricity by 2035.

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