New Jersey Advances Agrivoltaics With New Dual-Use Solar Pilot

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) has opened applications for its Dual-Use Solar Energy Pilot Program (Dual-Use Pilot), allowing pre-qualified farmers to host solar projects that create a new revenue stream while supplying affordable clean energy.  

The initiative will deploy solar arrays on working farmland, advancing the state’s exploration of agrivoltaics. 

The NJBPU welcomed public input to develop the Dual-Use Pilot, in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and the Rutgers Agrivoltaics Program (RAP) at Rutgers University.  

The pilot will create research results needed to inform a permanent program, which may include standards for construction and operation of dual-use projects. 

“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 Governor Phil Murphy, in a statement. “This partnership will allow us to continue rapidly expanding clean energy sources while allowing farmers to reap the benefits.”   

New Jersey is committed to expanding solar generation to increase energy affordability and economic development. As of August 2025, nearly 223,000 homes and businesses had installed solar systems, totaling over 5.2 gigawatts (GW) of capacity; there is approximately 1.3 GW of additional solar projects in development. 

The Garden State’s solar industry supports around 7,000 jobs and is the fastest and cheapest source of new energy generation. 

Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak added, “Today marks a significant step forward for New Jersey’s agricultural and clean-energy sectors. By launching the Dual-Use Pilot Program, we are empowering our farmers with new revenue opportunities while advancing the Garden State’s commitment to renewable energy and preservation of working farmland. This innovation ensures that our agricultural communities remain vibrant and that our energy remains sustainable.” 

The application period will open on January 14, 2026 and close on February 25, 2026. 

Read more here.