The bill seeks to enhance New Jersey's solar energy initiatives by establishing specific targets for roadside solar projects within the state's solar energy incentive program. It amends Section 3 of P.L.1999, c.23 (C.48:3-51) to introduce new definitions, including "Commissioner" to refer to the Commissioner of Transportation, and "roadside right-of-way solar energy facilities," which are solar installations located on land adjacent to roadways. The bill aims to promote the development of these facilities by including them in the Small Solar Facilities Incentive Program, setting a target of 50 megawatts of energy generation from such projects annually over five years, and awarding Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC-IIs) to eligible projects.

Additionally, the bill enhances the competitive solicitation process for awarding SREC-II contracts and establishes criteria for eligibility, ensuring that facilities are interconnected to a New Jersey public utility's distribution or transmission system. It mandates the Board of Public Utilities, in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection, to assess the feasibility of siting solar facilities on contaminated sites or landfills. The bill emphasizes minimizing environmental impacts and aligning with New Jersey's clean energy goals as outlined in the 2019 Energy Master Plan, ultimately aiming for significant greenhouse gas reductions by 2050.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 48:3-51, 48:3-116, 48:3-117, 48:3-119, 48:3-120