The $18m landfill solar project in Kearny is being co-ordinated by the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission and enhances the state’s reputation as a national leader in solar energy production – it recently surpassed California as the country’s largest commercial solar market.

The grid-connected solar installation will include 12,506 solar panels mounted on 13 acres on top of the landfill and will be up and running by the end of the year. SunDurance Energy has been commissioned to build the solar array, before the lease is taken over by utility firm PSE&G who will own and operate the facility.

The Commission’s acting governor Kim Guadagno said: “Tapping underused resources such as closed landfills to produce renewable solar energy and related employment is a key component of this administration’s forward-thinking agenda to secure New Jersey’s energy and economic future.”

He added that the project was part of the Commission’s commitment to increase the use of landfills and brownfield sites for solar projects. New Jersey has 11,245 solar energy projects installed across the state providing over 430MW of installed capacity.

Maxine Perella

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe