NJR Clean Energy Ventures recently announced it will extend The Sunlight Advantage's solar savings to 500 more customers in 2012, which is a residential solar lease program that gives homeowners the opportunity to have a roof-mounted, crystalline solar systems installed with no upfront or maintenance costs.

"We've had a lot of success with The Sunlight Advantage," said Darren Castelli, vice president of operations at Reliable Power & Solar, a leading solar installation contractor. "With its straightforward lease and fixed price, we feel it is the strongest solar offering in the state. It has helped our business grow, enabling us to hire more people and, more importantly, our customers are pleased with the program."

Customers who purchase solar panels for their rooftops could potentially experience a large amount of energy savings over the 15-year lease of the installation. Each homeowner who purchases the system is locked into a $65-per-month contract over the lease period, with potential savings of $18,000 over the life of the lease.

Also taking advantage of the energy savings offered by solar panels is Apple, at its headquarters in Cupertino, California, according to CleanTechnica.

The website said developers are working on a 5-megawatt solar array will span over the entire rooftop of the facility, as well as part of the parking garage, to provide power to the entire campus.