A new rooftop solar system at Birch House in Jersey City consists of more than 300 panels and offsets 30 percent of energy consumption at the property, located at 49 Fisk St. — Courtesy: SolarKal
By Joshua Burd
Halpern Real Estate Ventures has unveiled another sustainability feature at a new luxury apartment building in Jersey City, activating a rooftop solar array at the 337-unit property.
The developer, which recently welcomed residents to 49 Fisk St., announced the milestone this week in tandem with SolarKal and Evergreen Energy. They noted that the 154-kilowatt solar system consists of more than 300 panels and offsets 30 percent of energy consumption at what’s known as Birch House, primarily powering its communal spaces.
The firms also touted it as a complement to the building’s other ecofriendly and wellness-focused design elements.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the completion of this landmark project and to be leading the charge in Jersey City’s westward expansion,” said Joel Halpern, Halpern Real Estate Ventures’ president. “Birch House embodies our commitment to sustainability with innovative features like solar power and on-site composting. We’ve created a vibrant community that aligns with our company goals and appeals to residents.”
Designed by Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners, with JRM Construction Management as its general contractor, the six-story building is 20 minutes outside Manhattan and part of Jersey City’s fast-growing West Side. HREV launched leasing early this year with a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom homes and a series of upscale amenities.
The developer this week noted that it acquired the land for Birch House in December 2019 and sought to emphasize outdoor green spaces and incorporate innovative sustainability features. It did so through a partnership with SolarKal, a commercial solar advisory and procurement firm, and Evergreen Energy, an expert in solar energy solutions.
SolarKal added that it has worked with HREV since 2016 and identified Birch House as a top property for solar development after a detailed analysis. The panels are now projected to generate 191,400 kilowatt-hours annually, resulting in estimated savings of $23,000 per year.
“The solar project was exciting and incredibly dynamic,” said Jacob Sussman, chief operating officer of Evergreen Energy. “We thoroughly enjoyed partnering with SolarKal to develop and install the solar facility for Halpern Ventures on the rooftop of their iconic building in Jersey City.”
