Solar energy proponents hope for bill veto
A coalition of solar energy businesses and independent electricians is calling on Governor Corzine to veto legislation that would require union wages to be paid on commercial solar projects in New Jersey.
By: Phil Gregory
By: Phil Gregory
philgregorynews@gmail.com
A coalition of solar energy businesses and independent electricians is calling on Governor Corzine to veto legislation that would require union wages to be paid on commercial solar projects in New Jersey.
Listen:
[audio: 090626pgsolar.mp3]
The Mid Atlantic Solar Energy Industries Association says more than four thousand solar energy projects have been installed in New Jersey. The group’s Vice President Dennis Wilson says the legislation they oppose would increase labor costs by requiring so-called prevailing wages to be paid for solar projects authorized by the State Board of Public Utilities.
Wilson: It’s going to increase the cost of solar installations somewhere between 10 and 30 percent depending on the type of installation and because the solar industry is already having a challenging time meeting New Jersey’s goals this will make it even more difficult.
The trade group says higher costs would hurt the growth of the solar industry and is considering a legal challenge to the wage requirements if the Governor signs the measure into law.
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