This bill establishes a solar energy grant program within the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to provide financial assistance to public schools and educational institutions in New Jersey for solar energy projects. The program aims to help these entities reduce energy costs, enhance the resilience of their energy systems, and contribute to the state's climate action goals. Eligible applicants include school districts, public schools, jointure commissions, educational services commissions, career and technical schools, and community colleges. Grants can cover up to 50% of the eligible project costs, which will be determined by the BPU in consultation with relevant state departments.

The BPU is tasked with developing guidelines for grant applications, establishing terms for grant awards, and monitoring compliance with these terms. 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 that grant recipients report on their use of funds and requires the BPU to submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature on the program's effectiveness. To support this initiative, the bill appropriates $15 million from the General Fund.