FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2009
Rebate for home-grown New Jersey solar panels?
New Jersey residents interested in installing solar-energy panels on their rooftops--and those in-state companies that manufacture the panels--would both benefit from a new rebate plan under consideration by the state Board of Public Utilities.
Scott Fallon reports in today's Bergen Record that:
"The New Jersey Renewable Energy Manufacturing Incentive would give homeowners an additional 25 cents per watt on top of the current $1.75-per-watt rebate. That means a house with a modest 2-kilowatt system could see a $4,000 rebate check to offset the often costly installation."
Providing impetus to the BPU program is S-2739, legislation sponsored by Bob Smith, chairman of the state Senate's Environment Committee. The Assembly version of the bill is A-3980 .
A number of other state legislators also have been doing their part to encourage solar energy's growth.
Solar-energy legislation currently under consideration :
A-2994 Authorizes municipalities to require solar energy elements as condition of site plan or subdivision approval.
A-3062/S-1303 Defines "inherently beneficial use" for purposes of zoning variance and specifically includes facilities and structures that supply electrical energy produced from wind, solar, or photovoltaic technologies.
A-3208/S-2429 Requires the incorporation of solar panels in design and construction of new public school facilities.
A-3238/S-1065 Permits electric public utilities, electric power suppliers and basic generation service providers to enter into certain agreements with building owners for use of solar energy systems for such buildings.
A-3347 /S-2218 Authorizes DOT, NJ Turnpike Authority, and South Jersey Transportation Authority to permit BPU-certified persons to install and maintain solar photovoltaic panels on noise barriers erected on roads and highways
A-3616/S-2499 Encourages purchase of NJ solar panels and wind turbines for State projects and State-funded projects
A-3701/S-1953 Requires all new State buildings to have solar or geothermal energy systems, where feasible.
Solar-energy bills signed into law earlier this year:
A-1558 which requires developers to offer solar energy systems in certain new home construction, and
A-2550 which permits location of certain wind and solar facilities in industrial zones.
Related posts:
Long Island's solar grants frying up; PA's coming
Other recent posts:
Week's top environmental news in New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, New York and beyond: May 11-15
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