PSEG, a utility company in New Jersey, has just received the go-ahead for their Solar4All program — a program to establish solar power across the state using centralized and non-centralized solar power sources.  The project, which is set for completion by 2018, will effectively double solar power usage in New Jersey, a state which already comes in second only to California in number of solar panels.

The original plan was to set up a panels for 120 MW of power at a cost of $773 million dollars, but regulators limited installation of panels to government buildings and demanded numerous changes to the proposal.  The new approved plan will provide 80 MW and cost $515 million.

The system will consist of  a combination of grid-feeding power sources.  Small solar panels will be mounted on telephone poles in over 300 communities and the solar electricity generated will then be dispersed to homes in those areas.  Also, solar “gardens” will be erected on top of rooftops owned by the company and other independent facilities to provide a more centralized dispersion.

Nowhere in the world has a pole-attached enterprise on this scale been launched.  If California were to follow in New Jersey’s footsteps, it would be a substantial move towards renewable energy for the US.  The project, which will provide power for nearly 650,000 homes, will be paid for by customers. Customers will pay 10 cents a month for the solar panels and the rate will continue to increase up to 35 cents over the next 15 years. The remaining costs will be offset be the sell of federal credits

While this is the biggest pole-mounted project currently in development, New Jersey is not the only state with big solar energy aspirations.  Applications for solar energy installment are increasing all over the country and each new triumph, like New Jersey’s, opens new doors to renewable energy possibilities.