In 2009 the Northwest Bergen County Utilities Authority installed a 334 kW Solar Generating System at its wastewater treatment plant in Waldwick, NJ.  The System features 1,547, 216 watt modules manufactured by Sharp.  The panels were erected above the plant aeration tanks in much the same manner as a parking facility installation in order to minimize the use of vacant land on the site.

The System became operational in October of 2009.  The installed cost of $2,320,080 was financed by Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) issued by the Bergen County Improvement Authority (BCIA) and guaranteed by the County of Bergen.  Annual debt service was $180,000.  At the time, the Authority also received a grant from the New Jersey Clean Energy Program's CORE Rebate Program in the amount of $630,537. 

In 2022, NBCUA completed paying off the system. From 2009 through 2022, income derived from the sale of Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) and savings achieved from lower PSE&G bills saved our ratepayers over $100,000 above the cost of the system. Moving forward, the Authority’s expenses will be limited to preventive maintenance on the system. NBCUA anticipates the solar power program will continue to save the Authority and its members over $30,000 a year.

In addition to the economic savings, the NBCUA solar program reduces carbon emissions by an estimated 620,000 pounds per year.

NBCUA remains committed to operating the facility as cost-effectively and environmentally friendly as possible.