Solar Advocates Applaud New Jersey's Renewable Energy Bill Passage

TRENTON, N.J., Jan. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- On Monday, New Jersey Governor Corzine signed the Solar Advancement and Fair Competition Act. The law solidifies New Jersey's already significant solar market and secures New Jersey's solar leadership role well into the future. New Jersey is currently home to over 4,600 solar installations and numerous solar companies.

In passing A3520/S2441, the Legislature makes statutory the state's Energy Master Plan goal of generating 2,164 GWh of solar power by 2020 and significantly increases the annual solar goals, envisioning more than 5 GW of solar capacity through 2026.

The bill's sponsors, Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula and Senator Bob Smith worked hand in hand with the local solar community to secure its passage and solidify the future of New Jersey's solar industry –an energy sector that will continue to create investments and new jobs across the state.

"Solar continues to demonstrate its benefits to the New Jersey economy, environment and energy mix," says Carrie Cullen Hitt, President of the Solar Alliance. "We are excited that the New Jersey Legislature has recognized solar's value and wants to capitalize on it."

"Although New Jersey is the second largest solar market in the U.S., it is unmatched in its vision and commitment to expanding solar markets through effective, forward-looking policies," said Rhone Resch, President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association. "Thanks to the leadership of the Executive branch, the Board of Public Utilities and the New Jersey state legislature, the Garden State is poised to install more than five GW of solar by 2026. This is an excellent example of what state leaders in the mid-Atlantic region and across the country can do to foster vibrant solar markets that create thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity."

"By tapping into the sun, New Jersey supports local green jobs and delivers a secure, sustainable energy mix to ratepayers." says Shaun Chapman, Director of East Coast Campaigns for Vote Solar. "This legislation will ensure that New Jersey continues to lead the country with a robust solar market through the next decade. This is a model other states can look towards for inspiration. I applaud New Jersey policymakers for their vision and look forward to seeing much continued success for solar energy in the Garden State."

About the Solar Alliance:

The Solar Alliance is a state-focused alliance of global solar equipment manufacturers, photovoltaic (PV) system integrators, and financiers dedicated to accelerating the promise of PV energy in the United States. www.solaralliance.org

About the Vote Solar Initiative:

Vote Solar is a non-profit grassroots organization working to fight climate change and foster economic opportunity by bringing solar energy into the mainstream. Since 2002 Vote Solar has engaged in state, local and federal advocacy campaigns to remove regulatory barriers and implement the key policies needed to bring solar to scale. www.votesolar.org

About SEIA:

Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association is the national trade association of solar energy industry. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. Learn more at www.seia.org.

SOURCE Solar Alliance