Murphy administration celebrates 5 gigawatt solar energy milestone – more than doubling solar energy output since 2017
NEW JERSEY – The Murphy Administration Thursday celebrated a major milestone in its clean energy transition.
In December 2024, the state achieved 5 gigawatts (GW) of installed solar capacity, more than doubling its solar energy output since 2017. This significant accomplishment underscores New Jersey’s role as a national leader in climate action and clean energy innovation, reinforcing Governor Phil Murphy’s commitment to protecting New Jersey from harmful emissions, increasing affordability, revitalizing communities, and catalyzing economic development.
“With this milestone achievement in solar energy, we are building a strong foundation for renewable energy while combating the imminent threat of climate change and propelling our state forward on 100% clean electricity. By expanding solar programs and resources for homes and businesses, we are taking a whole-of-government approach to making solar energy more affordable and accessible than ever before,” said Governor Murphy.
Last year, Governor Murphy announced an additional $156 million from the U.S. EPA to deliver an additional 175 megawatts of solar energy to benefit 22,000 low-income households, resulting in approximately $250 million in total energy bill savings over 30 years for residents in newly connected households. In an effort to further incentivize the redevelopment of brownfields across New Jersey into new solar energy facilities, the Governor’s Office released a “Landfill to Solar” resource page to provide municipal governments and solar developers with a step-by-step guide to completing solar projects.
“Achieving the 5 GW milestone represents more than just a number,” said Christine Guhl-Sadovy, President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU). “Doubling the amount of installed solar capacity and crossing 5 GW since Governor Murphy took office reflects the hard work and commitment of the NJBPU to bolstering our solar sector and the thousands of good, local jobs it employs while transitioning New Jersey to a clean energy future.”
“New Jersey is leading the way on solar, meeting our clean energy and climate commitments while creating a thriving in-state clean energy economy,” said Eric Miller, Executive Director of the Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy. “Thanks to the NJBPU’s vision in developing nation-leading programs, the Murphy Administration is providing solar access to all New Jerseyans, regardless of income and location.”
To mark this achievement, NJBPU President Guhl-Sadovy was joined by local elected officials, business leaders, and environmental allies at Secaucus Ice Rink in Buchmuller Park—the site of a recently completed municipally-owned solar project. Completed in July 2024 by Schneider Electric, this 287.1 kilowatt installation represents the type of innovation and investment driving New Jersey’s clean energy transition. The project reduces municipal energy costs, decreases carbon emissions, and serves as a model for other communities seeking to adopt clean energy solutions.
This event recognizes New Jersey’s clean energy leadership, highlights the critical partnerships that have driven solar adoption, and reflects on the progress made under Governor Murphy’s Administration.
Later this year, Board staff anticipate opening the third solicitation for the Competitive Solar Incentive Program, building on the more than 300 megawatts approved last year, helping drive down costs and supporting more projects around the state.
Building on a Decade of Progress in Solar Energy
New Jersey’s solar energy portfolio grew from 2.41 GW at the end of 2017 to 5 GW by December 2024, a remarkable achievement that reflects the state’s aggressive push toward clean energy. Collectively, there are now over 209,000 installations throughout New Jersey.
In 2024, New Jersey saw nearly 400 megawatts of solar capacity installed, with a robust pipeline of grid-scale, community solar, along with the Dual-Use Agrivoltaics Pilot Program and rooftop solar yet to be developed. The considerable growth in solar helps the State achieve Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 315 goals, which sets the goal of 100% of the electricity sold in the State to be derived from clean sources of electricity by January 1, 2035.
The state’s installed solar capacity comprises:
- 80.3% Net-Metered Solar: Rooftop systems on homes and businesses powering local needs.
- 16.4% Grid-Supply Solar: Larger installations supplying power directly to the grid.
- 3.3% Community Solar: Providing equitable access to clean energy for underserved communities.
Solar energy supports approximately 7,000 jobs across New Jersey, driving economic development and helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs for residents and businesses.
