Laurel Square Getting Huge Solar Setup in New Jersey’s Green Energy Drive

Work starts soon on a massive solar installation at Laurel Square shopping center in Brick, NJ. The township's Zoning Board gave its thumbs-up on Oct. 8, marking a turning point for clean power in the region.

Workers will mount solar arrays on two buildings at the 31-acre retail hub between state routes 70 and 88. Near the At Home store, a central station will link these panels to the main grid.

The project's size pushed it past standard rules, said Township Planner Tara Paxton, per Shorebeat.com. Unlike typical roof panels, this setup acts as a second main function of the site.

Rather than just serving the mall, this system will feed straight into the wider power network. It's part of New Jersey's push for community solar power, which pays building owners to host these installations.

The central station packs vital gear: switches, power converters, and measurement tools. Jersey Central Power & Light meters will track the power flow.

The plans put safety first. A tall fence will shield the main station, while strong posts will block any stray vehicles. The township's experts made sure every detail met strict standards.

Brixmor owns this busy mall, which houses Livoti's market, At Home, and Ashley Furniture. They've just won approval to add quick-service dining spots too.

Asbury Park's Solar Landscape takes charge of building the system. They'll run most wires below ground from panels to the main station. The board's full support shows New Jersey's push toward clean power is gaining speed.

This unanimous vote marks another step in the state's march toward renewable energy, with the Community Solar Program leading the charge.