TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) approved new regulations on Wednesday to initiate its Dual-Use Agrivoltaics Pilot Program, a state-led initiative to integrate solar energy production on active farmland. The program is among the first of its kind in the United States and is aimed at enabling farmers to install solar panels on designated fields without compromising agricultural output.
“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 Governor Phil Murphy, who emphasized the pilot’s role in advancing both solar energy and agricultural preservation.
The Dual-Use Pilot, approved by the NJBPU on Wednesday, seeks to balance renewable energy generation with continued farming activities by exploring optimal ways to grow crops beneath and around solar panels. Christine Guhl-Sadovy, president of the NJBPU, highlighted the program’s potential to expand affordable solar power while supporting the state’s farmers. “Dual-use agrivoltaics will ensure responsible solar development on farmland and help us provide affordable solar alternatives to more New Jersey residents,” Guhl-Sadovy said.
The pilot aims to gather crucial data on how dual-use systems can contribute to New Jersey’s target of achieving 100% clean electricity by 2035. Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette noted the initiative’s importance for both agricultural production and environmental goals. “This program will allow us to research and inform best practices for solar development in agricultural areas to ensure successful crop production while reaping the benefits of additional clean energy,” LaTourette stated.
State officials and agricultural leaders are optimistic that the program will help local farmers increase their viability through diversified income while promoting sustainable energy. “The pilot program will give the agriculture community the opportunity to identify the best production techniques and crops to grow and produce, while at the same time producing clean green renewable energy,” said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn.
The NJBPU’s approval and launch of the Dual-Use Agrivoltaics Pilot Program mark a significant step in New Jersey’s broader effort to integrate renewable energy solutions into its economic and environmental policies.
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