Woodbridge promotes community solar, municipal energy audits and EV fleet upgrades

Carolyn Erlic, chief of staff and director of the Division of Sustainability, said the township has completed energy audits of town hall and other municipal buildings and is beginning to implement recommended upgrades using available rebate programs. She said some rebates can cover up to 70% of eligible measures for municipal projects and that similar opportunities are available to businesses and residents.

Presenters described a community solar option for residents who cannot install rooftop panels—examples given included residents whose roofs face the wrong direction or who have large trees shading panels. The presentation said community solar subscribers receive bill savings comparable to owning panels without installing them on their homes.

The town also cited steps to lead by example: electric senior buses, electric DPW vehicles and an upcoming electric sanitation truck, plus installed charging stations around the township.

Presenters asked for volunteer support for outreach and direct-install campaigns to help downtown businesses and residents adopt energy-saving measures. Staff said they plan summer door-to-door outreach to promote direct installs that can reduce energy use and bills.