Many residents in the Hopewell Valley have been seeing flyers and banners throughout the Valley talking about the Hopewell Valley Solar Challenge. The Solar Challenge is a unique partnership between the Hopewell Township Environmental Commission and Hopewell Valley Green Team, together with EnergySage and Sustainable Jersey, and was organized as a competition among 7 New Jersey towns in an effort to educate the public about the benefits of solar energy. The Hopewell Valley Solar Challenge Team succeeded in having the greatest number of new solar installation contracts per capita by May 31, 2017 through this Challenge and has won the $10,000 prize which is to be used to support a “green” energy project.

Environmental Commission and Green Team member Rex Parker, who has been the champion of this Challenge, is delighted with the outcome but feels the efforts should not stop now. “It is very rewarding to know that we have spread the word about solar energy and to see the fruits of that effort. But this is really only a step on the path. We must continue to find ways to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and increase the adoption of clean energy alternatives. The sun is an amazing asset.” said Mr. Parker. He went on to express his sincere gratitude to everyone involved in the Challenge, especially those residents that chose to install through this program and to Sustainable Jersey for underwriting the program.

The competition was sponsored by Sustainable Jersey, an innovative nonprofit organization that provides tools, training, and financial incentives to communities pursuing sustainability programs such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other community-wide efforts. The EnergySage web portal at www.SolarHopewell.org will continue to be available to Valley residents interested in going solar and getting the best price and quality on installation.