State Sen. Vin Gopal (left) joined Solar Landscape CEO and co-founder Shaun Keegan to announce the firm’s plan to hire more than 100 new employees in 2024. — Courtesy: Solar Landscape
By Joshua Burd
Solar Landscape plans to add more than 100 employees in 2024, the Asbury Park-based firm announced, as it eyes continued growth and cements its place as a leading provider of solar energy to lower-income households across the state and nationally.
The firm on Monday said its planned expansion will double its operations next year with a goal of building 100 megawatts of commercial rooftop solar and serving 20,000 new community solar subscribers. More than half of that group will be lower-income households, Solar Landscape said, as it builds on its success within the concept known as community solar.
Its growth plan will include positions in engineering, business development, finance, legal, community engagement and project management, as detailed by state Sen. Vin Gopal, Solar Landscape CEO, co-founder Shaun Keegan and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 400 leader Rob Shimko.
“I applaud Senator Gopal’s leadership in bringing jobs and clean energy to his district and Solar Landscape’s innovative business model. Together, they are truly powering Monmouth County,” Gov. Phil Murphy said. “With community solar, New Jersey continues to make history in how America generates energy. We are leading the way in providing affordable clean energy to underserved communities and driving the economy at the same time.”
Solar Landscape also announced Monday that it has become the nation’s leading provider of community solar to lower-income households, citing data from Groundswell, a nonprofit program funded by the U.S. Energy Department. It’s done so with the help of New Jersey’s pioneering program, which allows solar firms to lease space on commercial rooftops to generate renewable energy, which is then sold to nearby residents.
Solar Landscape has grown threefold over the last two years, hiring 80 people since January 2021 and moving into a newly built, 8,000-square foot office earlier this year.
“It is encouraging to watch a Monmouth County business grow from a small operation founded by Monmouth County locals to a national leader in clean energy,” Gopal said. “Solar Landscape’s rise to prominence is a great example of how our area can drive economic growth that creates jobs and leads the nation. I’m proud to have worked with their leadership and will continue to support their success.”
As of this week, the company has energized 50 community solar projects comprising more than 60 megawatts that will serve nearly 10,000 households, more than half of which will qualify as low- or moderate-income, according to a news release. It noted that the renewable energy portfolio will save utility payers more than $2 million.
Solar Landscape’s latest project was on display last week when it joined U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac and others to activate a new installation in the Middlesex County township.
“Solar Landscape will be adding more than 100 jobs in 2024, thanks to Senator Gopal’s support of solar energy in New Jersey,” Keegan said. “Growing solar nationally means creating new jobs in New Jersey. We look forward to welcoming even more Solar Landscape employees next year as commercial rooftop and community solar continue to build momentum.”
