Solar Landscape recently completed the installation of a 556-kWdc community solar project on the rooftop of Principal Asset Management’s commercial warehouse in Secaucus, New Jersey.
According to the company, the partnership with the investment management firm allowed it to train nearby community members on solar equipment installation, creating career opportunities in clean energy through its Solar Training and Education Partnership for Underserved Populations (STEP-UP) program.
“Financial inclusion and environmental impact are fundamental aspects of our commitment to sustainability,” said Jennifer McConkey, Managing Director of ESG & Operations at Principal Asset Management. “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 2022, Solar Landscape says it has teamed up with Edison Job Corps, GAF and Trinity Solar to train 29 New Jersey residents from low- to moderate-income communities on solar equipment installation.
In addition to being a catalyst for workforce development initiatives, the project is also expected to advance the clean energy transition. According to the company, the community solar installation will provide solar energy at a discount to over 90 nearby homes, saving residents over $20,000 in energy costs annually while avoiding the creation of 478 tons of carbon emissions from fossil fuels.
“By hosting community solar installations, Principal is energizing communities in more ways than one,” said Shaun Keegan, CEO of Solar Landscape. “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.”
