Lots of spin in this one, but I think the theme is soak the taxpayer. They even dedicated it on April 15th!
New Jersey's Largest Solar Energy Rooftop System Dedicated at Janssen Pharmaceutica, a Johnson & Johnson CompanyThere seems to be a conflict between this and the article from Hopewell Valley News. This PowerLight press release states that the installation reduced the State's power load by 6%, while the HVN claims it reduced Jennsen's power load by 6%.500 Kilowatt Solar Electric System Furnished by PowerLight Corporation
April 15, 2003
Titusville, N.J.-- New Jersey’s largest solar energy rooftop system was dedicated today at Janssen Pharmaceutica. Each day, this system will generate enough energy to power more than 600 homes thereby reducing the energy drawn from the state’s power grid by six percent each month. In addition, it is noiseless and will not produce any greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. This 500 kilowatt solar electric system was furnished by PowerLight Corporation of Northern California.
“Janssen and Johnson & Johnson’s decision to house New Jersey’s largest solar electric rooftop system sends a strong and clear message to the state, business community, environmentalists and consumers about their commitment to promoting renewable energy,” said Jeanne M. Fox, president of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. “Renewable energy technologies, like solar and wind power, are vital components of the future of energy in New Jersey which is why they are a priority for the Governor and the BPU.”
The system was dedicated at a special ceremony with Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ); Jeanne Fox, president of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities; Bradley Campbell, commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection; Francesca Bartlett, mayor of Hopewell Township, and other local and state officials.
Solar electricity, or photovoltaics (PV), is a proven, reliable technology that was first used to power satellites in space. Photovoltaic systems use silicon technology to convert sunlight into energy. Inverters and transformers convert the electricity generated by the PV rooftop system into electricity that can be used within the building. The system can generate power on cloudy days as well.
One of the chief advantages of solar PV is that it operates at its peak capacity when demands on the utility grid and electricity costs are highest.
“We have a responsibility to the communities in which we live and work,” said Diane Parks, Janssen’s vice president of administration and community affairs. “Our solar electric system is one way to ensure that we do our share to protect the environment.”
Janssen’s on-site solar electric system, comprising 2,856 solar electric tiles, covers 40,000 square feet of the Titusville facility’s roof. If laid end-to-end, the tiles would stretch 2.5 miles. The system operates within Janssen’s existing electrical network.
Over the 25-year operating life of the system, solar generated electricity will reduce emissions of carbon dioxide by an estimated 4,940 tons — the equivalent of removing almost 1,000 cars from New Jersey’s roadways.
About Janssen Pharmaceutica Products, L.P. Janssen Pharmaceutica Products, L.P., a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, the world’s most comprehensive and broadly based manufacturer of health care products. Janssen Pharmaceutica has a long track record in developing and marketing treatments for central nervous system disorders, pain, fungal infections and gastrointestinal conditions. It is based in Titusville, N.J. More information on the company can be found at www.us.janssen.com.
About PowerLight Corporation PowerLight (www.powerlight.com) is the leading manufacturer of commercial-scale solar electric products and services. Founded in 1991, PowerLight's systems solutions deliver reliable, affordable clean power for commercial and government customers worldwide. Inc. Magazine has ranked the PowerLight Corporation among the top 500 fastest growing privately held companies in 2000, 2001 and 2002. Today, PowerLight has worldwide offices and a full line of commercial solar electric products.
Both cannot be true, and given that this is a 500KW installation the latter (HVN) must be correct.