Our energy choices impact not only our energy future but also our water resources. For commercial businesses, property owners and developers in NJ, going solar is a practical solution that addresses energy costs and water conservation. With water scarcity, clean energy and increasing energy demands on the rise, switching to renewable energy sources like solar saves.
NJ is already leading the way in renewable energy innovation including floating solar and solar on reservoirs. The move to sustainable solar generation is not only efficient but also protects our water resources that are critical to our industries and communities. Here’s how solar saves water in NJ and benefits your business and the environment.
Solar Panels Use Zero Water to Generate Power
Traditional power plants that burn fossil fuels like natural gas, coal or nuclear energy use enormous amounts of water for cooling. In fact, US power plants account for 38% of total freshwater withdrawals according to the US Geological Survey. These withdrawals put a strain on our drinking water, agricultural water and industrial water.
Solar power eliminates this water demand. Solar panels generate power from the sun, using zero water for cooling or operation. This makes solar a critical solution for NJ’s water treatment plants, commercial properties and public utilities that need consistent, sustainable power without compromising our drinking water.
Floating Solar Arrays Save Water and Space
NJ is home to innovative clean energy projects like floating solar arrays that sit on top of man-made bodies of water like reservoirs and treatment facilities. One notable example is the largest floating solar array at the Canoe Brook Reservoir in Short Hills built with New Jersey American Water and NJR Clean Energy Ventures.
Floating solar projects offer double benefits: they generate renewable energy and reduce water evaporation. By shading the water’s surface, floating solar panels prevent excessive evaporation and help reservoirs and water treatment plants retain more water. This is especially valuable for local governments and businesses focused on water management and energy savings.
For example the Canoe Brook Water Treatment Plant is a great example of how floating panels can generate power while preserving our water resources.
Charging Electric Vehicles with Clean Power
As public utilities and businesses in NJ move to clean energy solutions, electric vehicles (EVs) are on the rise. Charging EVs with solar power has a much smaller water footprint than fueling with gasoline. According to Argonne National Laboratory it takes 3-6 gallons of water to produce one gallon of gasoline.
When commercial properties add solar arrays to their properties they can power EV charging stations without any additional water demand. This helps NJ meet BPU clean energy mandates and provides a sustainable solution for EV infrastructure for new commercial construction.
Renewable Energy Leader: Ilumina Energy
Ilumina Energy designs and delivers commercial solar projects across NJ. We specialize in floating solar, ground mount and advanced solar facilities to maximize energy, space and cost savings for businesses and developers.
Partner with Ilumina Energy and your project will meet state requirements (BPU) and maximize the benefits of water efficient solar energy.
For Your Business:
- Save on energy and fossil fuels
- Conserve water for public health and sustainability
- Meet state renewable energy mandates
- Power EV charging
- Reduce environmental impact by lowering GHG emissions
Solar Panels Save Water and Power NJ’s Future
From reducing water intensive power generation to floating solar systems, solar panels offer a solution for commercial businesses and developers in NJ. The Canoe Brook Reservoir project is a great example of how forward thinking solar generation preserves water and provides clean power.
Partner with Ilumina Energy and invest in a sustainable efficient future for your property or project. Let us help you maximize renewable energy while saving water and meeting NJ’s clean energy goals.