Solar Power is Latest Innovation at N.J. Farms

Move over, Jersey tomatoes. Some farmers are producing a new crop: energy.

They’re putting solar power systems over barn roofs and fields to make electricity for their homes, farm buildings and irrigation systems — and reducing pollution at the same time.

A further lure is a unique program that uses state rebates, credits and investor funds to cover all the upfront costs of the expensive solar power systems, including maintenance. The program also guarantees farmers at least 10 percent savings on their electric bills.

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