Historic NJ building adds 1MW of solar power to grid

A power purchase agreement (PPA) is allowing a New Jersey-based organization to add solar energy to its historic headquarters without having to pay any upfront costs.

Kyocera Solar, NJ Solar Power and Solar Power Partners today announced the completion of a 1.16-megawatt (MW) solar energy system at The Masonic Home of New Jersey. Designed and installed by NJ Solar Power on property owned by the Masons since the mid-1800s, the photovoltaic system features 5,656 ground-mounted Kyocera solar modules. The grid-tied system is expected to produce enough energy to power 145 average homes.

Solar Power Partners provided a PPA that uses institutional financing and Solar Renewable Energy Certificates to allow the property to purchase the electricity without incurring the initial cost of system installation.

The conversion to solar energy also serves as a cost-cutting measure for the Burlington Lodge Masons.