Two public schools in North Jersey are benefiting from a partnership with a solar company recently recognized as an up-and-coming company.

The schools in Newark's system have rooftop and carport solar systems, which will combine to generate 1.2 megawatts of power, according to cleanenergyauthority.com. Mercury Solar Systems of Port Chester, New York built and installed over 4,000 solar panels atop a high school and an elementary school.

"Mercury Solar Systems is committed to helping New Jersey accelerate the adoption of solar energy, and we were honored to be selected for this groundbreaking project," said Frank Alfano, CEO, Mercury Solar Systems, in a company press release. "We commend PSE&G and Newark Public Schools for pushing this initiative forward. It will have a significant impact on the local community that these children live and attend school in."

New Jersey is second behind California in the U.S. for states generating solar power, a remarkable point considering the difference in the states' size. Inc500 recently voted Mercury Solar Systems the "10th Fastest Growing Company", a factoid not lost on Newark's school system.

"Mercury Solar Systems worked with our team through every step of the process, resulting in an extremely smooth installation at both locations," said Rodney L. Williams, Facilities Manager, Newark Public Schools, in the release. "I believe their team has the knowledge and experience needed to carry out large scale utility installations."