By Alexis Tarrazi / Senior Reporter

LYNDHURST (Nov. 19, 2009) — Proving that even pavement can produce renewable energy, the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission announced Tuesday, Nov. 10 that it is looking for companies to submit plans to construct a solar canopy at the commission’s parking facility in Lyndhurst.

“Building a solar canopy is the latest example of the NJMC’s firm commitment to renewable energy projects that provide green business opportunities, while also benefiting the environment,” Robert Ceberio, NJMC executive director, stated in a release. “By embracing alternative energy and promoting energy efficiency, the NJMC is helping position the Meadowlands District for an environmentally and economically sustainable future.”

Although specifics are not available yet, Jim Wright, NJMC spokesman, said the solar canopy would most likely be a structure with solar panels that sits above the cars, like a roof structure without walls.

The canopy — funded by a Customer On-Site Renewable Energy rebate from the state Board of Public Utilities — is expected to generate roughly 150 kilowatts of power, enough to satisfy approximately 20 percent of the electricity needs of its administration building, according to the release.

Similar canopies have already been installed across the Garden State, including in the new Trenton AMTRAK/NJ Transit center and at a wastewater treatment plant in Waldwick.

In August, the NJMC received $8.5 million in federal stimulus funding through the BPU for use toward the construction of a solar facility on a closed landfill in Kearny.

Both projects are a step forward in the commission’s plan to bring 20 megawatts of renewable energy to the Meadowlands District by 2020.

The New Jersey Energy Master Plan reports, “unless New Jersey acts decisively to reduce energy demand and increase supply of low carbon emitting, reliable and reasonably priced energy the state faces an increasingly costly and unsustainable energy future. If no action steps are taken, and the ‘business as usual’ scenario is pursued, in 2020 New Jersey’s homes and businesses will use 97,800 GWh of electricity and over 542 trillion BTUs of natural gas and heating oil at a cost of $30.7 billion.”

Helping Meadowlands District municipalities and school districts reach a greener goal, the NJMC has set up a Municipal Solar Assistance Program to help in the development of solar energy projects to be housed on the roofs of their public buildings.

Taking advantage of the program, six applicants, including Hartz Mountain in Secaucus, have already asked permission to include solar structures on commercial buildings.