New Jersey Community Solar Updates
New Jersey Expands Community Solar Program, Opening Opportunities for Commercial Property Owners and Clean Energy Stakeholders
New Jersey’s landmark Community Solar Energy Program continues to lead the nation—and with a newly approved third phase, commercial property owners, solar developers, and clean energy advocates alike are seeing new opportunities open up across the state.
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The firm is currently constructing the new system atop the East Brunswick building noted it provides more than $400 in annual energy savings to each participating household.
In late April 2025, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) approved an additional 250 megawatts of project capacity, adding to an already successful program that has saved residents millions and helped warehouse owners monetize unused rooftop space. The latest capacity block, now open for project registration, signals a growing alignment between clean energy goals and commercial real estate development.
Community Solar is a Win-Win for Property Owners and Residents
At the core of New Jersey’s community solar model is a simple but powerful proposition: industrial and warehouse rooftops can generate revenue while supporting clean energy access for local communities. Building owners lease their rooftops to solar developers, who then build and maintain solar arrays that feed energy directly into the grid. The model requires no capital outlay from property owners and minimal involvement after installation—making it a low-risk, high-impact opportunity for stakeholders and owners.
Related Article – New Jersey Governor Signs Bill to Accelerate Community Solar Program
Community solar empowers New Jersey’s warehouse and logistics facility owners to meet growing energy demands while strengthening connections in the communities we build.
Source: David Greek, Greek Real Estate Partners
For commercial developers and owners looking to increase asset value, meet ESG goals, or simply make use of unused roof space, the community solar program makes for an attractive business opportunity.
Focus on Energy Equity and Simplicity
New Jersey’s community solar program is committed to supporting their local communities. At least 51% of the energy generated must benefit low to moderate income households. They do this by offering guaranteed savings of at least 15% on electricity bills through solar bill credits. Since its inception, the program has reached over 28,000 subscribers, delivering $37 million in bill credits and over $7 million in net savings statewide.
The NJBPU has also made updates to streamline participation. A new consolidated billing model now shows both solar subscription charges and savings directly on residents’ utility bills, eliminating the need for separate invoices. Additionally, automatic enrollment for municipalities allows local governments to sign up hard-to-reach residents without requiring action from the individual households.
These updates accelerate adoption making it an ideal time for developers and property owners to explore participating.
Video Credit: NJ Spotlight News
Drone Inspections Supporting the Growth of Rooftop Solar
With this expansion, we anticipate a surge in rooftop solar installations across commercial buildings—especially warehouses and logistics hubs. That’s where aerial drone inspections and surveys play a critical role.
From rooftop assessments and construction documentation to post-installation thermographic scans and performance audits, drones can help streamline and secure every phase of a solar project. Our team has supported developers and EPCs across the region with high-resolution aerial imaging, LiDAR-based roof modeling, and infrared inspections that validate panel performance and identify early-stage issues.
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Moving Forward with Commercial Opportunities
As New Jersey’s community solar program enters its next phase, precision and performance will be critical for rooftop solar developers and property owners alike.
For solar developers, commercial real estate groups, or municipalities looking to maximize their solar potential, this could be the perfect time to get involved.
At The Drone Life, we support this transition with aerial inspections that deliver actionable data—from rooftop assessments to thermal anomaly detection—helping ensure solar projects operate safely and efficiently from day one. Our FAA-licensed, thermography-certified pilots work with developers, EPCs, and asset managers to provide fast, accurate insights at every stage of the project lifecycle.
Whether you’re evaluating a new rooftop site or maintaining an existing installation, we’re here to help. Schedule a free consultation today to learn how drone data can support your next community solar project.
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