Solar power on landfill

LYNDHURST – The New Jersey Meadowlands Commission plans to generate approximately 5 megawatts of solar energy on one of its landfills, the latest initiative in the agency’s push to produce renewable energy and encourage businesses to take advantage of the state’s growing green economy. The Commission announced the project today at its monthly public meeting.
The Commission is seeking information from firms interested in designing, financing and operating the solar array on the 42-acre Eerie Landfill in North Arlington. The selected firm would be responsible for safely closing the landfill and would be able to sell the solar power it harnesses to Public Service Electric & Gas’ energy grid.
The firm would also generate revenue by collecting financial incentives offered by the state to businesses who produce renewable energy, including tax credits and Solar Renewable Energy Credits. In addition, the company would have the option to collect methane gas at the site which can also be sold to the power utility.
The solar project announced today is in keeping with the goals of both the state Energy Master Plan and the NJMC Energy Master Plan. The NJMC has set a goal of achieving 20 Megawatts of renewable energy within the District by the year 2020 and is negotiating the creation of a 700 kilowatt solar array on District property.
The Commission has already made strides in the areas of energy efficiency and green building. The agency offers financial incentives for developers to build green within the District and free technical assistance to District municipalities who want to install solar arrays. The Commission constructed its new science center to nationally-recognized green building standards and is retrofitting its existing buildings to be more energy efficient.