For decades, the Bernardsville Quarry provided rock and concrete for many area construction projects, and employment for local residents and businesses.
The large lake remaining at the quarry site is now being viewed for a solar project that could provide a renewable energy source for some local residents.
During a presentation at the Borough Council’s Monday, Nov. 24, meeting, two representatives from Third Pillar Solar, LLC, touted the benefits of a “floating community solar’’ project under consideration for the water-filled pit off Old Quarry Road.
Under the concept, the initiative could provide affordable power for a percentage of ‘’subscribers.’’
“So this particular project that we’re thinking about doing is going to be with New Jersey’s BPU (Board of Public Utilities) community solar energy program,’’ said Nicole Haghpanah, the firm’s development manager.
Customers that are serviced by Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) can subscribe to the project and receive a discount that’s estimated at 30%, she explained.
“We understand that there are a few affordable housing projects that are either in construction or planned here,’’ added Ned Horneffer, vice president of development for Third Pillar Solar. “And we’d be very open to figuring out a way to partner with them to ensure that as many of the subscribers for this project as possible are based here.’’
