Solar Landscape has completed a new 556-kilowatt rooftop solar installation at a Secaucus warehouse owned by Principal Asset Management. — Courtesy: Solar Landscape
By Joshua Burd
Solar Landscape has completed a new rooftop solar installation at a Secaucus warehouse, helping to expand a job training program while adding to its fast-growing portfolio in the state.
The solar energy developer and operator, which is based in Asbury Park, said the 556-kilowatt project will provide discounted energy to more than 90 nearby homes without requiring them to install panels. It completed the installation in conjunction with Principal Asset Management, the building owner, under a program that allows landlords to lease their rooftops to solar operators who then sell energy directly to consumers, more than half of which must be lower-income households.
Solar Landscape said the project figures to save residents more than $20,000 in energy costs annually. It also allowed the firm to train nearby community members on solar equipment installation, creating new career paths in clean energy as part of its Solar Training and Education Partnership for Underserved Populations program, also known as STEP-UP.
“Financial inclusion and environmental impact are fundamental aspects of our commitment to sustainability,” said Jennifer McConkey, Principal Asset Management’s managing director of ESG and operations, “Together with Solar Landscape and its training partners, the program is introducing community members to entirely new careers in clean energy. In addition, this program addresses critical sustainability and social goals to be a good neighbor to our communities and a clean energy model for the rest of the country.”
Since November, Solar Landscape has partnered with Edison Job Corps and national solar leaders GAF and Trinity Solar to begin training 29 New Jersey residents from low- to moderate-income communities, according to a news release. The firm recently hired one candidate that completed the Job Corps program, adding to its growing installation team.
“By hosting community solar installations, Principal is energizing communities in more ways than one,” Solar Landscape CEO Shaun Keegan said. “Thanks to Principal’s participation in community solar, trainees at Edison Job Corps and across New Jersey have new opportunities to find rewarding, well-paying, family-sustaining jobs.”
As part of its partnership with Solar Landscape and others, Edison Job Corps recently created a separate workspace at its facilities in Edison, specifically for solar installation training.
“For nearly 60 years, Job Corps has assisted underserved populations with career preparation, career development and career transition,” said Tony Staynings, the business community liaison for Edison Job Corps. “Thanks to Principal, Solar Landscape, GAF and their partners, we are introducing our students to solar energy and providing them pathways to careers in renewable energy.”
