Pennsville Solar Project
Salem County, New Jersey
The Pennsville solar project in the Township of Pennsville, Salem County, New Jersey, will provide the RFC East/Eastern Power Grid with around 5.6 megawatts (MWdc) of renewable energy annually. This project will contribute to the State of New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan’s goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2050.
Spanning 30 acres, the more than 8,000 modules of this ground-mount solar array are expected to produce approximately 8,100 megawatt hours (MWh) of renewable energy annually, meeting the growing demand for sustainable electricity in the region and strengthening the reliability of the New Jersey electricity mix. The project falls under the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) Community Solar Program, which expands access to solar energy for New Jersey residents who cannot afford or do not have the space to install solar panels while helping reduce their electricity bills.
The Township of Pennsville and Standard Solar have agreed to redevelop an area formerly used as a landfill, turning it into a productive, clean energy facility. This transformation will eliminate waste-related issues and enhance the surrounding environment by seeding the area with pollinator-friendly vegetation, creating a habitat for birds and pollinators to thrive. Standard Solar has worked closely with local and state authorities to safeguard nearby water bodies and ensure the project does not pose any pollution or runoff risks to the Delaware River and Miles Creek. According to the New Jersey Ecological Field Office (USFWS), no critical habitats are within the project area.
Beyond its environmental benefits, the project will contribute to the local economy by creating construction jobs and generating long-term economic value through increased tax revenue and community investments. Construction will begin in the first quarter of 2025, with operations expected to start in October 2025, marking an important step toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for the Township of Pennsville and New Jersey.
Benefits
Economic Impact
The project will create local construction jobs during its building phase, supporting the regional workforce. Beyond its immediate job creation and rent payments, it will generate substantial long-term economic value by contributing to the local tax base and helping fund essential community services and infrastructure.
By fostering economic growth and investing in renewable energy, the Pennsville solar project demonstrates a commitment to environmental sustainability and the community’s financial well-being, making it a valuable asset for Salem County’s future.
Clean Energy Impact
The Pennsville solar project will play a critical role in delivering locally generated clean energy to Salem County, directly contributing to New Jersey’s goal of reducing the state greenhouse gas emissions by 80% below 2006 levels by 2050.
By producing approximately 8,100 megawatt hours (MWh) of sustainable electricity annually, this project will provide the Eastern Power Grid with a reliable source of carbon-free power. Using the EPA equivalencies calculator, this project is expected to produce enough electricity to power 1,297 U.S. homes annually.
Land Restoration & Protection
Based on the emissions profile of the Eastern Power Grid alone (RFCE), the project is expected to displace approximately 4,952 tCO2e (metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent) annually. Using the EPA equivalencies calculator, the carbon displaced from not burning fossil fuels would be equivalent to the carbon absorbed by 4,967 acres of U.S. forests in a year (an area larger than 3,700 football fields).
Location
Town of Pennsville, Salem County,
New Jersey
Project Size
5.6 megawatt
Timeline to operation
Construction will begin in the first quarter of 2025, with operations expected to start in October 2025
Location
Strategically located in Pennsville, New Jersey, this project leverages an underutilized 30-acre landfill site to generate clean energy while revitalizing the local environment. Positioned within the RFC East/Eastern Power Grid, the solar array will strengthen regional grid reliability and support New Jersey’s ambitious goal of 100% renewable energy by 2050. The site’s transformation not only eliminates waste-related concerns but also integrates pollinator-friendly vegetation, creating ecological benefits. Its proximity to key infrastructure and energy demand centers ensures efficient power distribution, maximizing the project’s impact on both sustainability and economic growth.
Economic Impact
The Pennsville solar project will pay millions of dollars in rent, machinery, tools and labor over the project’s 25-year lifetime.
The Pennsville solar project falls under the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) Community Solar Program, which will allow low- and moderate-income (LMI) subscribers to benefit from discounted energy bills.
The Pennsville solar project is part of Standard Solar’s +500 MW portfolio of Community Solar Gardens in 14 States and the District of Columbia.
Goodwill Industries, VA, 0.5 MWdc
Port Newark Container Terminal, NJ, 3.29 MWdc
Clean Energy Impact
Producing more than 8,000 MWh of solar-generated electricity is akin to displacing 4,900+ metric tons of CO2 from fossil-fuel generated power in New Jersey.
More than 8,100 solar panels will produce more than 8,000 MWh of clean energy each year, with enough capacity to cover the electricity needs of 1,297 average U.S. homes.
The project lifetime is 25 years. Standard Solarhas plans to repower the site or restore the land to its original state after the lifetime of our projects.
Land Restoration and Protection
Solar energy projects consume minimal amounts of water during their construction phase.
The Pennsville project has been carefully designed and built to not disturb the local streams, watertable and coastal ecosystem.
While operating, it will save approximately 96 million gallons annually, enough water to fill 146 Olympic swimming pools annually.
Shepherds Mill, MD, 2.77 MWdc
Project Location
Where is the Pennsville solar project located and is it visible from public roads?
The Pennsville solar project is in the former Pennsville Landfill in the Township of Pennsville, Salem County, New Jersey. The project lies on the southwestern edge of the town, adjacent to the Delaware River.
The Delaware River lies approximately 500 ft off the northwestern property boundary and the property is surrounded by densely forested land. The project is not visible from public roads or from the built residential environment.
Who owns the land on which the Pennsville solar project is built?
Safety & Operations
How do solar panels work?
Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity through a process called the photovoltaic effect. Each panel is made up of many solar cells, typically composed of silicon, a material that can absorb sunlight. When sunlight hits these cells, it excites electrons, creating an electric current. This current is collected and directed through wires to power homes, businesses, or the electrical grid. Solar panels are often installed in arrays to capture as much sunlight as possible, and they work best in sunny locations. By harnessing the sun’s energy, solar panels provide a clean, renewable source of electricity without producing harmful emissions.
What happens after the useful life of a solar project?
At Standard Solar, we are committed to sustainability throughout the entire lifecycle of our projects. The Pennsville solar project will produce electricity for 25 years. After this time, when the project reaches the end of its operational life, there are well-established processes to ensure responsible repowering or decommissioning and recycling.
Standard Solar will post a decommissioning bond for this project to showcase its capacity and commitment to restoring the land after the project’s lifetime.
Standard Solar has programs and policies to safely remove equipment, restore the land to its original state, and recycle materials like glass, metal, and silicon from solar panels. These programs allow Standard Solar to minimize waste, prevent any burdens on the community, and support the circular economy, ensuring that renewable energy remains a sustainable solution for future generations.
Do solar projects make noise?
Solar projects are designed to operate quietly, making them an ideal option for generating renewable energy without disrupting nearby communities, agriculture or wildlife. The primary components–solar panels–make no noise during operation. Some equipment, like inverters or transformers, may produce a low humming (up to 60 dB) sound when converting solar energy into electricity. Still, this noise is minimal and typically only noticeable when close to the equipment. Overall, solar projects are a clean, quiet and community-friendly energy solution.
Additionally, this project is in an area where the distance from homes further reduces any potential sound impact.
Will the project produce glare?
Environment & Wildlife
How will the project manage erosion and stormwater during its lifetime?
The project is located near two essential bodies of water: the Delaware River and Miles Creek.
This project has been designed with comprehensive measures to effectively manage erosion, stormwater and dust control throughout its lifetime. It ensures minimal impact on the surrounding environment and no disturbances to wetlands or waterways. The project has all applicable local, state, and federal permits and certifications.
Before construction, the site underwent a thorough assessment, and best management practices were implemented, including silt fences, sediment basins and buffer zones, to mitigate runoff during the building phase. The project is designed to avoid the waste deposited underground in the landfill, avoiding contamination.
Once operational, the site will be stabilized with vegetation, including tall fescue grasses, conservation shade mixes (grasses), and butterfly and hummingbird garden mixes (native flowers). Regular monitoring and maintenance will ensure that erosion, stormwater and dust control remain effective throughout the project.
What is the impact on area wildlife?
All Standard Solar projects’ impacts on wildlife and biodiversity are carefully considered in the project’s planning to minimize disruption to local ecosystems. Before construction, detailed environmental studies are conducted to identify sensitive habitats and species. For this project, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) identified endangered and threatened pollinators, such as the Northern Long-eared Bat, the Tricolored Bat, the Monarch Butterfly and the Red Knot Bird, that could potentially occur within the site.
Standard Solar will install bat boxes around the site to protect these species. In consultation with the USFWS, it was determined that commissioning and operating the solar facility would not adversely affect the populations of Monarch Butterflies or Red Knot birds.
To build this project, trees needed to be cleared from the 7-acre area where the solar array will be commissioned. All clearing activities were performed between January and March 2024, the recommended time window to minimize any disturbances to vulnerable species USFWS identified.
Additionally, wildlife-friendly fencing and vegetation buffers are incorporated to allow animals and migratory birds to move safely around the site. Once operational, solar projects are constantly monitored to ensure they continue to have a minimal impact and comply with local, state and federal regulations on biodiversity and ecosystem protection.
Are there any risks related to the site being a former landfill?
Installing a solar array on a former landfill can present unique challenges, but Standard Solar expertly manages all associated risks to ensure a successful and long-lasting installation.
Potential concerns such as ground stability, landfill gas emissions and load-bearing capacity are carefully addressed through engineered solutions, including non-penetrating, ballasted racking systems that adapt to settlement and protect the landfill cap.
Standard Solar navigates complex regulatory and permitting requirements, ensuring full compliance with environmental standards. Additionally, the company implements proactive measures such as gas collection system integration, erosion control and long-term maintenance planning to safeguard system integrity and performance. With Standard Solar’s expertise, former landfill sites are transformed into productive, environmentally beneficial assets that generate clean, renewable energy while mitigating potential risks.