NJ Candy Factory Flips Switch On New Solar Array

VICTOR EPSTEIN

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (AP) — Those green M&Ms are getting greener.

A New Jersey candy factory that produces M&Ms flipped the switch Monday on a dedicated solar array that's the largest in the nation to serve a single manufacturing complex, according to Public Service Enterprise Group Inc.

The 18-acre field of solar panels in Hackettstown is capable of generating 2.2 megawatts per hour of clean energy. That's about one-fifth of the plant's power needs, or enough power for roughly 1,800 homes.

McLean, Va.-based Mars Inc. provided the land next to its manufacturing facility. Newark, N.J.-based PSEG spent more than $10 million building the array of 28,680 solar panels.

Former New Jersey Governor Christie Whitman, who once ran the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, said the project proves corporate profits and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive.

"Not only are they not mutually exclusive, but they can and must grow together," Whitman said. "This is a real live symbol that we can do this."