The distribution center ships fiberglass products - and soon, its operations will be powered in part by clean, renewable solar energy. CertainTeed and NJRCEV entered into a power purchase agreement; under the deal, NJRCEV will build and maintain the solar array and CertainTeed will pay it a fixed amount for electricity over the next 20 years.
The 870-kilowatt solar installation will produce 90 percent of the distribution center's annual energy needs and offset 800 tons of greenhouse-gas emissions each year, NJRCEV said. In addition, it will create an estimated 25 direct and indirect jobs.
The benefits to adopting solar power in New Jersey are manifold. Not only are a number of tax credits and rebates available to both homeowners and businesses, but the state has a renewable energy credit trading program in place, as well. Solar RECs, as they're called, are bought by utilities that must comply with renewable-power mandates - so installing solar power can provide an income stream for New Jersey residents and companies.
