Renewable Energy Program

The Morris Model: Our Renewable Energy Program

In 2008, Morris County took its first step toward launching a public-private renewable energy program.  Morris County began building a solar power network with the goal of lowering energy costs for area schools and county facilities for the next 15 years.

The first phase, known as Solar I, resulted in solar panels on the roofs of 15 public facilities, including 12 schools in five school districts and three county government structures by 2011.

The Solar II program got underway between late 2013 and early 2017, ultimately constructing 22 additional solar projects at four county facilities, one municipal parcel and atop of 17 schools within nine school districts.

 The Solar I equipment is at the end of its useful life and, in some cases, in poor physical condition. The entire world of generating and purchasing renewable energy has evolved drastically over the past 15 years, with technological advances that have left little of the Solar I equipment, if anything, worth salvaging or repurposing.

The equipment served well throughout its 15-year lifespan but is now producing little or no electricity in some cases, and it must be decommissioned. That work began at some of the sites in 2024 and will continue this year. The participating government agencies have concurred and welcome the removal of the equipment, leaving them free to explore other renewable energy programs, if they choose.   For school sites the work will be completed during the summer.

The solar carports at the Mennen Arena, one of the more visible Solar 1 projects, will remain for the time being. Their use requires further investigation.

The Improvement Authority will continue to maintain the solar sites constructed during Solar II, evaluating the energy production value at each location and assessing the condition of the equipment. The Improvement Authority will consult with the host government agencies as the equipment reaches the anticipated end of its current term.  Of the 22 projects in Solar II, 12 are anticipated to reach the end of their initial term by 2028 and 2029, with ten others reaching the end of their initial term by 2032.