Solar Panel Project Installation Restarts Monday Morning

that's absorbed as much energy as controversy in Ridgewood began Monday morning with police presence.

Monday morning marked the first day after the on utility poles after Memorial Day, and police were on hand to control traffic. Part of PSE&G's "Solar 4 All" program and fought by Ridgewood officials out of concern it would disrupt emergency systems as well as aesthetics, the utility will be placing 180 panels toward the southern sun during the installation.

The village was able to parse PSE&G's original proposed number–over 500–down to less than 200, and officials say the 2 1/2'" by 5-foot panels will not be placed in front of historical buildings, lampposts or the CBD. The utility was able to assuage concerns of interference of the emergency Gamewell system.

Al Matos, vice president for renewables and energy solutions for PSE&G said in a press release that the direct benefit of the panels is immense–noting it takes up "zero land space" in a crowded state, which under traditional solar farms would require 170 acres be set aside.

“These solar units bring the direct benefit of clean, renewable energy to all our customers since the electricity they generate is used in homes and businesses in the immediate neighborhood,” Matos said.

Village Engineer Chris Rutishauser said Monday afternoon that the installation is expected to last one week.