Dual-Use Solar Pilot Program Definitions
*Highlighted for reference only. This list does not represent all definitions for the Dual-Use Pilot Program.
“Applicant” is defined as the main point of contact that submits an Application package (for example, an Applicant may be a farmer, landowner, solar facility developer or installer, solar facility owner or operator, or agent thereof). The Applicant appointed by the project team will serve as a point of contact for Board Staff and be responsible for submitting documents required throughout the solicitation process.
“Array area” means the area proposed to contain the Dual-Use Solar Energy Project, including the solar array and balance of system equipment.
“Dual-Use Solar Energy Project” or “Project” means the energy generation facilities, structures, and equipment for the production of electric power from solar photovoltaic panels located on unpreserved farmland in agricultural or horticultural production that ensures the continued simultaneous use of the land below and adjacent to the panels for agricultural or horticultural production.
“Equity” means the consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved communities that have historically experienced inequitable treatment, such as Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons; Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or adversely impacted by the building or location of their residence.
“Overburdened community” means the same as such term is defined at N.J.A.C. 7:1C-1.5. Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:1C-1.5, an “Overburdened community” means “any census block group as determined by the Department [NJDEP] in accordance with the most recent United States Census, in which: (1) at least 35 percent of the households qualify as low-income households; (2) at least 40 percent of the residents identify as minority or as members of a State-recognized tribal community; or (3) at least 40 percent of the households have limited English proficiency. For the purposes of [N.J.A.C. 7:1C], State-designated tribal lands shall be considered overburdened communities. Information regarding overburdened communities can be found on the Department's internet website at https://www.nj.gov/dep/ej/communities.html
“Project site” means the location of the parcel proposed to contain the Dual-Use Solar Energy Project, including the solar array, balance of system equipment, and the associated research control area together.
“Research control area” means a designated portion of the project site, which does not contain the solar array or balance of system equipment but is equivalent to the array-containing portion with regard to agricultural productivity potential, farming practices, farm management, and any extraneous factors affecting agricultural productivity.
“Underserved communities” means populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities that are unlikely to have received consistent and systemic fair, just, and impartial treatment that impacted their opportunity to participate equitably in and benefit from various aspects of economic, social, and civic life, as exemplified by the list in the preceding definition of “equity.”