Solar Energy Ready For Prime Time

This requirement would be applicable to a new school facility constructed by either a school district or the New Jersey Schools Development Authority. Generating electricity through solar panels is good for the community and the environment. The use of solar power means less consumption of fossil fuels, reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from local power plants. A solar power system can also reduce or eliminate a school building?EUR??,,????'?????<

In one of the best indications that solar energy is ready for prime time, the New Jersey State Legislature approved A1084 and referred it to committee.

A1084, which would mandate solar panels in the design and construction of all new public school facilities, is currently before the Assembly Appropriations Committee, which is waiting on technical review by the Legislative Council to insure that such legislation does not violate previous state statutes.

Sponsored by Assemblymen Reed Gusciora, (D-Mercer), Peter J. Barnes, III (D-Middlesex), and Albert Coutinho (D-Camden), the bill places the onus to insure the solar law before approving school construction on the New Jersey Commissioner of Education ?EUR??,,????'?????<

Gusciora says the mandate meshes nicely with $12.5 billion funded for schools in 2000 as a bond issue, of which $7.9 billion has been spent. In 2008, the Legislature expanded the program by $3.9 billion of additional borrowing ?EUR??,,????'?????<