Encore Renewable Energy
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) on Nov. 21 voted to open the Dual-Use Solar Energy Pilot Program application period to pre-qualified participants. The Dual-Use Pilot seeks to incorporate solar installations on designated farmland, also known as agrivoltaics — advancing a proven technology that will provide a new revenue stream for farmers across the Garden State and produce affordable in-state energy generation.
A new report from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis found that agrivoltaics installations are expanding, growing from 27,000 acres with 4.5 GW of capacity in 2020 to more than 62,000 acres and 10 GW in 2024 — enough to power 1.5 million homes.
“The pilot program demonstrates our whole-of-government approach to our clean energy goals, pairing the success of solar installation with economic growth for local farmers — working collaboratively with key feedback from the communities where this will be implemented,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “This partnership will allow us to continue rapidly expanding clean energy sources while allowing farmers to reap the benefits.”
The general application period will open on January 14, 2026, and close on February 25.
Public input was critical to the development of the Dual-Use Pilot. The NJBPU held a robust stakeholder process to develop the Dual-Use Pilot in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and the Rutgers Agrivoltaics Program (RAP) at Rutgers University. The Dual-Use Pilot will generate research results needed to inform a permanent program, which may include standards for construction and operation of dual-use projects.
News item from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU)
Agvoltaics use of sheep in solar arrays in Oregon and Washington is a win win. The sheep keep vegetation very short. They help eliminate weeds. In the case of fire, the short vegetation keeps it very close to the ground with no damage to the solar panels and wiring.
Agriculture and renewable energy can symbiotically work together for a better future.