Microgrids, Solar  -  May 18, 2020

Largest N.J. solar farm to provide Navy base energy resiliency

A 28.5 MW solar project constructed at Naval Weapons Stations Earle (NWS Earle) was completed this week with the potential to increase the naval base’s power resiliency in times of need and becomes the largest solar project in New Jersey, driving the state toward its 2050 goal of 100% clean energy.

CS Energy, LLC, designed, procured and installed the Ben Morell Solar Farm through a lease with the Department of the Navy for 170 acres of the NWS Earle property in Tinton Falls.

As part of the 4,000-panel ground-mount system, CS Energy will install a behind the meter solar system that will connect directly to the NWS Earle utility grid, which would provide the Navy with renewable energy to support their operations. Project owners Vitrol Holdings will tie the solar project directly to the local utility grid. With further investment, the solar farm can be modified to directly power the naval base.

"Having access to reliable, sustainable and renewable sources of energy, like solar power, helps our Navy improve our energy security, operational capability, strategic flexibility and resource availabilities," Capt. Pierre A. Fuller, Commanding Officer of NWS Earle, said in a statement. "We are equally pleased this is the largest solar project in the state, to date, and it contributes to New Jersey's Energy Master Plan."

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