As New Jersey confronts rising energy costs, Union Township is celebrating the launch of a major community solar project designed to deliver significant savings to local residents. Dimension Energy on Wednesday hosted a grand opening for the 3.12 MW rooftop community solar project at 750 Union Ave, which is the largest of its kind in the township.
The project is projected to provide affordable energy to over 450 households, saving them an average of $900 a year on their electricity bills. This translates to an estimated $20 million in total savings over the project’s lifespan.
The grand opening was attended by a host of state and local officials, including New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) President Christine Guhl-Sadovy, Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados, and Township of Union Committeeman Manuel Figueiredo. The project aligns with New Jersey’s broader clean energy goals, particularly the BPU’s recent directive to authorize 3,000 megawatts of new community solar capacity by October.
“With electric bill rate hikes as high as 20% for New Jersey residents, Dimension is proud to partner with the Township of Union… to bring a low-cost energy choice to thousands of Garden State residents,” Sam Younes, Chief Development Officer and Co-Founder of Dimension Energy said. Younes noted that the company’s statewide portfolio of 29 community solar projects on warehouse rooftops will serve 10,000 New Jersey households by the end of this year.
Community solar provides a way for residents, including renters and those with unsuitable roofs for solar panels, to access the benefits of clean energy and savings. Subscribers receive credits on their electricity bills based on the power generated by the shared solar array.
Local resident and subscriber Arthur Pinckney Sr. praised the initiative, emphasizing the trust he placed in the township’s partnership with the energy company. “When Union Township puts its name behind something, you know they have done the research and they know the reputation of the company they’re getting involved with — so you feel a lot more comfortable subscribing,” he said.
In addition to the direct savings, the project is expected to create local jobs and workforce opportunities. Dimension Energy is investing $2.8 million in partnerships with community colleges and technical schools across the state to provide clean energy career training.
“Today’s solar project will lower energy costs at a time when families need relief the most,” Ed Potosnak, executive director of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters said. “It also means local jobs, strong wages to support families, and new career pathways in one of the fastest-growing industries in the country.”
This project is a prime example of how New Jersey is utilizing community-driven solutions and existing infrastructure to make clean energy more accessible, affordable, and equitable for its residents.
