Commercial solar advisory firm SolarKal has helped steer 13 commercial solar projects through to acceptance in the New Jersey Community Solar program.
These projects have added 12 MW of renewable energy to benefit New Jersey citizens who cannot otherwise access solar savings. Community solar subscribers will be guaranteed a minimum discount on their utility bill of no less than 15%, which will apply for the duration of the customers’ subscription.
The 225 MW capacity block available for development in 2024 opened on Nov. 15, 2023, representing the first opportunity for developers to participate in the Community Solar Energy Program. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities received more than 300 applications — more than double the capacity allotment available. Of SolarKal’s projects, 93% were accepted into the program, compared to less than 50% general acceptance rate.
SolarKal’s track record of 44 completed and active commercial solar projects in New Jersey, combined with complete and thorough application data, has paved the way for community solar success for three different SolarKal real estate clients.
“We are pleased with the outcome of the much anticipated decision regarding our clients’ acceptance into the CSEP program, and we are well positioned to offer assistance to others interested in participating,” said Yaniv Kalish, CEO of SolarKal, which was established in 2015 and aims to provide expert commercial solar advisory services, including national portfolio analysis, regulatory approvals, vendor selection, contract negotiations and project management.
While the PSE&G community solar block has filled up, there is still additional capacity in the service areas of Jersey Central Power & Light, Atlantic City Electric Company, and Rockland Electric Company that did not fill up during the initial registration period. These blocks have been reopened and SolarKal can assist with the application process.
“Our advice is to start early,” Kalish said. “It takes advance planning, analysis, and careful preparation to participate in the New Jersey CSEP program, so it pays to start now for next year’s capacity blocks.”
— Solar Builder magazine
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