Politics & Government
Another Solar Energy Farm Coming to Manalapan?
If approved, this will be the third solar farm to come to the township.
Kenneth Pape, partner at Heilbrunn Pape, is expected to seek approval for plans to develop Manalapan’s third solar energy farm at the township on Thursday, August 4. Pape recently gave a full presentation on plans for the farm to Manalapan’s Environmental Commission.
Millhurst, LLC is the owner of the property and applicant for zoning approval. The 14-acre property is located on Rt. 33 East, between the bowling alley and the Jersey Power & Light substation.
The site was previously approved for construction. Pape has notified the township of the change in land use. He is seeking to abandon its prior permits, except the Letter of Interpretation (LOI) issued from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
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A LOI informs the developer of any locations and conditions of wetlands within the property. Pape said the solar energy farm will cause no wetland disturbance and will leave plenty of room for natural vegetation.
“We meet or exceed all of the requirements (set by the LOI),” Pape said.
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According to Pape, the solar farm is a “micro-facility,” meaning it is small in comparison to others. It will generate three megawatts of energy, he said. The solar panels require no chemical cleaning. They are cleaned naturally from rain and snow.
“The property has been extremely, diligently studied,” Pape said. “It has no environmental issue.”
Manalapan Township has one solar energy farm, located at The Village, in its construction phase. A second farm has already been approved to go up along Rt. 33, between Baker’s American Bar and Grille and Applegarth Road in Monroe Township.
New Jersey’s wholesale electricity grid is owned by PJM Interconnection. Even though the solar farm will be located in Manalapan, it will not necessarily reduce the number of brown outs experienced here. Instead, it will help stabilize energy connections around the state.
The Environmental Commission unanimously approved plans for the farm. Chair of the commission, Jenine Tankoos said, "this is a clean one."
