By: Kara Fitzpatrick
Array would be most productive on East Coast, representatives say.
MONTGOMERY ? Johnson & Johnson representatives outlined Tuesday plans to erect what was described as the East Coast’s most productive solar energy system at its Consumer Products facility off of Grandview Avenue.
The presentation was made before a receptive Environmental Commission.
The proposed solar array, which likely will span 70,000 to 100,000 square feet behind the campus’ main building, will cost $3.3 million to construct. But the company will receive a $1.9 million rebate for the project through the New Jersey Clean Energy Program ? a state initiative to encourage renewable energy systems.
The solar setup, a PowerTracker ground-mounted system manufactured by California-based PowerLight, would produce enough energy during its peak times to power 600 homes, said David Eisenbud, PowerLight project development manager for the Northeast region.
“It will be the most productive installation on the East Coast to date,” said Mr. Eisenbud. The PowerTracker system, which will provide 2.9 percent of the annual energy used at company’s buildings, is designed to have rotating panels to follow the sun, said Mr. Eisenbud.
Stephen Baldwin, Johnson & Johnson director of facilities and services, said the initiative is being undertaken largely for its positive environmental benefits.
“This is a big environmental project for our location,” said Mr. Baldwin. “It will save a little money, but it is for the environment.” The project was presented in front of the commission to garner feedback.
“This is an environmental committee, and we’d certainly like their support,” Mr. Baldwin said. Environmental Commission members seemed open to the idea.
“I certainly think this is wonderful,” said member Beth Torpey. “I’m really happy.”
The company hopes to complete the project in the fall, said Iris Grossman, Johnson & Johnson communications manager. It is slated to go before the Planning Board later this month. “The Skillman campus is very excited about this,” said Mr. Baldwin, adding that the company’s credo “states that we are to protect the environment.”
When complete, the project will eliminate 260 tons per year of carbon dioxide emissions, said Ms. Grossman. The project supports “our mission to help the environment and the community,” she said.
“We appreciate having a neighbor like this,” Ms. Torpey said during the presentation.
Mayor Louise Wilson, although not present at the meeting, said the proposal is “very exciting. I’d love to see what they have in mind,” she said, adding that the concept is “forward thinking.”
Mr. Eisenbud said there are about 15 to 20 solar energy systems in the state. But, he said, demand for the solar panels, which are produced by companies such as British Petroleum, Sharp and Kyocera Solar, has increased in the last 15 months.
In the last two years, solar panel manufacturing capacity has doubled, said Mr. Eisenbud. “I think the industry has stepped up very well to meet global demand,” said Mr. Eisenbud. He also credits those who chose to adopt the solar energy system.
“There’s leadership behind getting this done,” Mr. Eisenbud said of the technology. Ms. Grossman said Johnson & Johnson has solar energy systems at a handful of its other campuses, including Janssen Pharmaceutica in Hopewell Township and Cordis in Warren.
The company also has plans to implement the technology at its corporate headquarters in New Brunswick, said Ms. Grossman.
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