A bill recently passed both the New Jersey House and Senate with strong bipartisan support that would make it easier for dual-use or agrivoltaics projects — projects where both solar and agriculture thrive together — to participate in the state’s community solar program.
This is a win-win; the farmers are able to lease their land and earn additional revenue to put back into their farm, developers have more access to critical financing, and the residents who subscribe to a community solar project (who often live in a place where rooftop solar isn’t accessible, like an apartment) can save on their energy bill every month.
Why it’s important
As the United States continues to experience unprecedented energy demand at and increasingly rapid pace, we need all the electrons on the grid that we can get. Updating the law to include agrivoltaics projects means that more projects can come online in rural areas and ensure everyone has access to affordable energy.
What this means for your community
New Jersey is called the Garden State for a reason. Its rich soil and agricultural history mean that it has long thrived as a supplier of fresh fruits and vegetables for the nation. This bill would ensure that farmers can harvest the world’s oldest resource, the sun, alongside crops, and lower electricity prices while strengthening solar access across New Jersey. Please take a minute to urge the Governor to sign SB 3939/ A2524 into law.