New Jersey is at the forefront of a groundbreaking initiative that is turning abandoned landfills into vibrant solar farms. This transformation is not just a testament to the state’s commitment to renewable energy but also a critical step in environmental remediation. These landfills, often empty and underutilized due to environmental hazards and strict regulations, are unsuitable for residential development or other structures because of shifting soil and potential health risks. Any structures built on these lands require constant evaluation for movement and changes, making solar farms one of the best ways to utilize this type of land.
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By repurposing these neglected and hazardous sites, New Jersey is addressing past environmental damage while simultaneously advancing its renewable energy goals. This initiative highlights the dual benefits of reducing pollution and generating clean energy, setting a powerful example for other states to follow.
There are more than 10,000 closed and inactive landfills around the country. These sites offer an incredible opportunity for solar development.
Drone Photo of Ocean County Landfill - 2498 NJ 70, Manchester Township, NJ 08759
A Background on New Jersey’s Forgotten Landfills
New Jersey, a state with a long industrial history, is home to over 800 abandoned landfills. These sites, once repositories for municipal and industrial waste, have since become environmental hazards, posing significant risks to local ecosystems and communities. Over the years, contaminants from these landfills have leached into the soil and groundwater, leading to pollution and health concerns for nearby residents. Economically, these abandoned landfills have been a burden, reducing property values and limiting the potential for new development.
Related Article – New Jersey Governor Signs Bill to Accelerate Community Solar Program
New Jersey, a state with a long industrial history, is home to over 800 abandoned landfills. Many of these sites were opened during the mid-20th century and closed by the 1980s and 1990s as environmental regulations became more stringent. These sites, once repositories for municipal and industrial waste, have since become environmental hazards, posing significant risks to local ecosystems and communities. Over the years, contaminants from these landfills have leached into the soil and groundwater, leading to pollution and health concerns for nearby residents. Economically, these abandoned landfills have been a burden, reducing property values and limiting the potential for new development. As of 2021, New Jersey still has 108 active landfill sites, each over 35 acres in size. These are collectively managing approximately 25-30 million tons of waste per year using development space at a rate of over 15,000 acres per year.
New Jersey is currently home to more than 800 active and closed landfills. Together, these landfills cover more than 10,500 acres—an area twice the size of the city of Trenton.
On a national scale, the trend of converting landfills to solar farms is gaining momentum. With over 10,000 closed landfills across the United States, it is estimated that these sites could host more than 60 GW of solar capacity. The success of landfill-to-solar projects in New Jersey serves as a model for other states, demonstrating how to effectively turn environmental liabilities into renewable energy assets.
Drone Photo of Linden Landfill - 1451 Lower Rd Linden, NJ 07036
Repurposing NJ Landfills into Solar Farms
New Jersey has seen a significant rise in landfill solar projects, with an 80% increase in the past decade. This growth is driven by state policies and incentives designed to encourage the transformation of closed landfills into renewable energy sites. The Solar Act of 2012, particularly its subsection “t” certification, plays a crucial role in this shift. This certification offers specific incentives for solar projects on underutilized lands like closed landfills, providing a clear regulatory pathway and financial support.
As a result, many municipalities and private developers have embraced the opportunity to convert these sites into solar farms. This trend highlights New Jersey’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental remediation, making the state a leader in landfill and brownfield solar redevelopment. Turning closed landfills into valuable assets not only advances the state’s renewable energy goals but also continues to position New Jersey at the forefront of sustainable innovation.
What's included in YOUR GUIDE...
Techniques for Exposing Warrantiable Items on Your PV Sites.
A Proven Roadmap for Successfully Implementing Drones in Solar.
Strategies for Identifying DC Losses and Avoiding Downtime.
Pittsgrove Landfill - 1050 Porchtown Road, Elmer, NJ 08318
Noteworthy Solar Landfill Projects in New Jersey
New Jersey’s commitment to transforming abandoned landfills into solar farms is exemplified by several significant projects across the state. These initiatives not only address environmental issues but also bring substantial economic and community benefits. From the massive Mount Olive project to the promising developments in Bordentown, each project highlights the potential of turning previously unusable land into productive, clean energy sites.
Mount Olive Project
- Description: 25.6 MW installation, North America’s largest landfill solar project.
- Status: In operation since 2023.
- History: Former Combe Fill North Landfill Superfund site.
- Impact: Environmental cleanup, economic benefits, and energy production.
- Additional Information: Largest Landfill Solar Project in North America Completed in Mt. Olive, (NJ Magazine)
Kearny Point Project
- Description: 4 MW solar installation.
- Status: In operation since 2012.
- History: Former municipal landfill.
- Impact: Redevelopment and community benefits.
- Additional Information: Newly opened Kearny Landfill Solar Farm will serve communities in Bergen and Hudson counties, (NJ.com Journal)
Bordentown Solar Initiative
- Description: 10 MW project in development.
- Status: In operation since 2015.
- History: Former industrial landfill site.
- Impact: Future environmental and economic benefits.
- Additional Information: Former Bordentown landfill to shine as solar farm, (Burlington County Times)
Pennsauken Landfill Solar Project
- Description: 13 MW project.
- Status: In operation since 2017.
- History: Former municipal landfill.
- Impact: Clean energy production and local benefits.
- Additional Information: PCFA to Produce Additional Solar Energy at Pennsauken Landfill, (Camden County)
Borough of Hopatcong Solar Project
- Description: 1.5 MW solar installation.
- Status: In operation since 2020
- History: Capped Municipal Landfill
- Impact: Serves customers in central and northern New Jersey, provides revenue for the Borough
- Additional Information: Project Profile: New Jersey Landfill Solar Power Plant, (Federal Highway DOT)
Drone Photo of Big Hill (BEMS) Landfill - 1 Less Trees Ln, Southampton Township, NJ 08088
Navigating Challenges of Re-developing Landfills
Developing landfill solar projects in New Jersey comes with a unique set of challenges, including technical complexities, financial constraints, and regulatory hurdles. A major technical challenge is that landfill caps cannot be penetrated, which means that traditional methods of anchoring structures or burying cables are not feasible. Instead, wires must run above ground in cable trays, and large concrete ballast blocks are used to hold the solar racking structures in place.
Placing solar modules on these sites requires a different kind of installation: a ballasted system that doesn’t drive foundations deep into the ground, avoiding piercing the landfill cap and unsettling the waste below.
Ensuring the stability of these landfill caps, securing funding, and navigating state and federal regulations require careful planning and innovative approaches. By collaborating with local governments and leveraging state incentives, developers have crafted solutions that address both environmental concerns and financial viability, setting a model for future landfill solar projects.
A Bright Future Ahead for Solar Landfills
The future potential for more landfill solar projects in New Jersey (and nationwide) is promising, with numerous sites ready for transformation into renewable energy assets. These projects not only contribute to the state’s renewable energy goals but also provide environmental remediation, economic revitalization, and community benefits. With their willingness to create new opportunities for developers and stakeholders, New Jersey is well-positioned to lead the nation in converting closed landfills into vibrant solar farms.
Once construction on a solar landfill is complete, ongoing maintenance is crucial to ensure its efficiency and longevity. One key aspect of this maintenance is regular inspections, often carried out by drones. When looking to hire a drone service company, it is always important to check if they are licensed by the FAA and have experience with similar projects. The Drone Life pilots are highly trained, licensed, OSHA-certified, and experienced in many different types of commercial projects. By hiring an experienced drone service provider, you can ensure your plans are carried out by professionals who understand the nuances and complexities of your project. Schedule a free consultation today with The Drone Life for more information.
What's included in YOUR GUIDE...
Techniques for Exposing Warrantiable Items on Your PV Sites.
A Proven Roadmap for Successfully Implementing Drones in Solar.
Strategies for Identifying DC Losses and Avoiding Downtime.
