NEW JERSEY STREAMLINES SOLAR GROWTH

New Jersey cuts red tape to boost solar efforts
James Cartledge, April 26, 2010 (Brighter Energy)

"New Jersey has scrapped rules that limit the development of solar panels in the state based on their definition as ‘impervious surfaces’…[A new law] amends restrictions on the amount of land on which impervious surfaces can be built.

"The new measure amends the definition of ‘impervious surface’ in land use and coast development laws so that it applies only to the base of a solar panel system, rather than the entire panel as well…The bill, S-921, had bi-partisan backing and sponsorship, and received unanimous support in the New Jersey Legislature…"

New Jersey - second in the U.S. in installed solar capacity - has, like Germany, built its success on smart policies that drive growth. (click to enlarge)

[New Jersey Governor Chris Christie:] “There is a balance to be struck between responsible land-use law and well-intended but burdensome restrictions that do more harm than good…This legislation removes the regulatory burden, serves our environment by expanding renewable energy assets and serves the economy by creating demand for solar panel production.”

"The bill signed last week eliminates a “significant impediment” to green energy projects…[and recognizes] that solar energy developments [are] an “important land use”…Governor Christie [also] unveiled a plan to encourage growth in New Jersey’s renewable energy industry."

One of New Jersey's key policies is a Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) with a solar carve out. (click to enlarge)

"The Energy Master Plan includes an energy efficiency program to cut the cost of energy in the state and moves to promote domestic generation of renewable energy including solar, wind and “particularly” offshore wind projects in the state as well as energy storage projects.

"Governor Christie also said more would be done to promote New Jersey as a site for renewable energy manufacturing companies…"