This bill establishes a solar energy grant program within the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to provide financial assistance to public schools in New Jersey for solar energy projects. The program aims to help eligible entities, including school districts, educational services commissions, jointure commissions, career and technical schools, and community colleges, reduce energy costs, enhance the resiliency of their energy systems, and contribute to the state's climate action goals. Grants will cover up to 50% of the eligible project costs, which include expenses related to the purchase and installation of solar energy equipment, permit fees, and utility interconnection, among others.

The BPU is tasked with developing guidelines for grant applications, establishing evaluation criteria, and monitoring compliance with grant conditions. Additionally, the BPU will provide technical assistance related to funding opportunities from the federal Inflation Reduction Act and create educational materials for managing solar energy projects. The bill also mandates the BPU to report annually to the Governor and the Legislature on the program's effectiveness. To support this initiative, the bill appropriates $15 million from the General Fund.