By Frank Andorka, Senior Correspondent

By Mr. Matté

That was fast. Within 24 hours of Governor Phil Murphy signing two bills to expand solar electricity in the state, Black Bear Energy announced a 2.4-MW solar project in Cranberry, N.J., in conjunction with USAA Real Estate and EnterSolar.

OK, the two probably had nothing to do with each other, but the project is real and continues USAA’s longstanding commitment to sustainability, according to its website.

“We are pleased that this solar project will allow our site to generate clean, renewable energy,” said Jason McIntyre, director of real estate operations and sustainability at USAA Real Estate. “The installation will help us continue to build the business case for sustainable, energy-efficient operations.”

The project will consist of a solar array on top of the company’s building and produce enough electricity – more than 3,100,000 kWh during its first year of operation, in fact – to provide more than 85% of the building’s annual electricity use.

EnterSolar will build, own and operate the project.

“Partnering with Black Bear Energy and USAA Real Estate has enabled a win-win for landlord and tenants alike,” said Paul Ahern, president of EnterSolar. “This project will optimize environmental and financial benefits to USAA Real Estate while also providing the benefits of solar energy to the tenants on site.”

Black Bear Energy says it is excited to be working in the New Jersey market.

“We have enjoyed working with USAA Real Estate and EnterSolar and are excited to see this project break ground,” said Drew Torbin, Black Bear Energy’s Chief Executive Officer. “The New Jersey solar market provides great opportunity for commercial property owners to realize additional value from their existing portfolio and this project is just one such example.”