New Jersey is about to school the rest of the nation in solar technology.

Newark Public Schools partnered with Mercury Solar Systems, recently voted Inc500's "10th Fastest Growing Company," to build both rooftop and carport solar systems on two public schools. 

Both systems combined produce 1.2 megawatts of power. Currently, New Jersey is ranked second in the country in terms of solar power generation, behind California. Think about that size difference between the two states for a moment.

The solar initiative is part of PSE&G's "Solar 4 All" program and a five-school solar pilot program created by the Newark Public Schools Facilities Management Office.

"Mercury Solar Systems is committed to helping New Jersey accelerate the adoption of solar energy, and we were honored to be selected for this groundbreaking project," said Frank Alfano, CEO, Mercury Solar Systems, in a company press release. "We commend PSE&G and Newark Public Schools for pushing this initiative forward. It will have a significant impact on the local community that these children live and attend school in."

One of the systems, installed on the roof at Barringer High School, consists of 2,310 panels. Barringer's solar installation was the first to be completed in the project. Another 519 kilowatts were also installed at Park Elementary School. According to the Mercury Solar System's press release, the energy generated from the Park Elementary system's 1,704 panels is equivalent to recycling over 10 million cans of soda and taking 65 cars off the road every year: enough to power about 200 homes.

"Mercury Solar Systems worked with our team through every step of the process, resulting in an extremely smooth installation at both locations," said Rodney L. Williams, Facilities Manager, Newark Public Schools, in the release. "I believe their team has the knowledge and experience needed to carry out large scale utility installations." 

Pictured: Mercury's solar installation at Barringer High School in Newark, totaling 646 KW.