TRENTON, NJ--Nexus Properties has begun installing fields of solar glass panels on the rooftops of their two large parking garages flanking the Trenton AMTRAK/NJ Transit station - a first for commuter parking garages in New Jersey.
The solarization of the two parking garages reinforces the state's smart growth strategies, said Joseph L Fiordaliso, Commissioner of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. "New Jersey ranks second to California in solar installation in the United States; we're in the top 10 worldwide," he added. "We now have over 2,500 solar installations completed. What Nexus is doing and what we're doing as a state is very impressive and environmentally important."
Andrea Sussman, a managing member of Nexus, said the solar fields are being installed on the rooftops of Clinton Commons and Station Plaza Park & Ride. Each field will contain 662 individual solar panels that measure 2.5 feet by 5 feet. The combined solar fields are expected to reduce electric consumption at the garages by 467,500 kwh annually - enough energy savings to heat and light 50 homes for a year, according to PSE&G.
On many days, the solar fields will generate surplus energy that will be routed to PSE&G's electronic grid, said Bill Harris, vice president of operations for Nexus. He said Nexus will also prepare several docking stations in each of the garages for electric vehicles.
"Parking patrons utilizing this form of renewable energy will have their cars recharged by the power of the sun while they take mass transit to and from their place of work," he said. "As electric vehicles gain in popularity, we'll be able to convert additional parking spaces to docking stations."
Sussman said the Lawrenceville-based developer is responding to the increased attention cities and the state are giving to improving sustainability and the reduction of carbon emissions. "At Nexus, we're looking at new, creative ways to incorporate green products, sustainable technologies and energy efficiencies into commercial buildings and now - parking facilities."
The solar project is the first of several projects Nexus is planning to develop within walking distance of the new, $75 million Trenton Amtrak/NJ Transit station. Scheduled to open in 2011, Station Plaza One, a 20-story, 600,000 square foot office tower for New Jersey's state capitol, will be built directly across from the train station. A second, twin tower will contain a mix of performing theater and art space, retail space as well as offices and potentially a hotel and other amenities.
In keeping with the growing sustainability movement, Station Plaza One is expected to qualify for Gold LEED certification, Sussman said.
The environmental impacts of constructing and using buildings are staggering, according to a recent issue of Urban Land magazine. They constitute 35% percent of the energy and 40% of the material resources consumed, 25% of the solid waste generated and 35% of the greenhouse gases emitted in the United States.
Sussman said the project, which will employ 15 to 20 skilled union craftsmen and laborers, will be finished before November 21.
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