It can be hard to hear for some, but getting older is just part of life. For many men, hitting a certain age signifies the beginning of a new chapter - where bucket list items are crossed off, and goals are accomplished. For others, however, aging is a scary prospect, filled with nagging injuries, embarrassing weight gain, and inability to perform intimately. Few things feel worse than realizing that you simply can't perform as you used to, whether on the basketball court or in the bedroom.
The reality is, as men get older and approach middle age, their testosterone levels drop. When a male's testosterone levels get lower, it can cause a slew of unwanted symptoms like:
If you have noticed any of the above symptoms and feel like you're just dragging yourself through life, don't lose hope. Many men around the country are experiencing the same feelings as you. Thankfully, you don't have to settle for the side effects of low testosterone. There are proven, easy steps that you can take to reverse the negative signs of aging. If you're ready to reclaim your youth and feel like you did in your 20s and 30s, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may be the perfect solution.
TRT bridges the gap between your old life and the happier, more vibrant version of you. That's where Juventee comes in - to facilitate your transition to a more youthful, fulfilling life and a brighter future. After all, aren't YOU supposed to be in charge of your wellness and health? With the Juventee team by your side, you'll have the tools to do so - backed by a personalized plan crafted by experts with more than 20 years of experience.
At Juventee, we propose a preventive and proactive medical approach to preserve optimal body function, with the best hormonal functioning to prolong vitality and youthfulness. Our specialty is Age Management, which is based on the belief that balance is the key to wellness. We employ the most innovative science, offering treatments like TRT in Fort Lee, NJ, and other clinical products with proven efficacy.
Living a younger, healthier, and longer life is a frequent commitment for Juventee's team of specialists. We are experts at designing customized programs that work synergistically with your body and brain. We love incorporating smart nutrition, hormonal balance, exercise, stress management, cognitive health, and lifestyle changes into our treatment programs. We also implement sciences such as testosterone replacement therapy to achieve verifiable, legitimate results.
Our doctors take differing approaches to care but share the single goal of prolonging your youth and vitality. With that goal in mind, Juventee was born from the hands of its partners, who want you to feel full strength, energy, joy, confidence, and wellbeing.
testosterone levels. Unfortunately, when a man loses too much testosterone, it results in a condition called hypogonadism. Also called "Low T," testosterone loss due to hypogonadism must be replenished, or the male suffers from difficult, even debilitating symptoms.
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What pops up in your head when you think about testosterone? Many people associate testosterone with being overly aggressive, macho, and violent. However, the truth is that testosterone is a critical hormone for men and affects the male lifespan from puberty through old age. As a sex hormone, male testosterone is produced through the testicles. It becomes most prevalent during puberty.
Testosterone production is controlled by the pituitary gland at the base of a man's brain. This gland sends signals to the testes, which in turn produce testosterone. A feedback loop helps regulate the amount of testosterone in the blood. When levels are too high, the brain orders the pituitary gland to restrict production.
Cholesterol synthesizes the testosterone in your body. However, having high cholesterol doesn't mean you have high testosterone levels, too. T levels are too carefully controlled by your pituitary gland for cholesterol to raise testosterone levels.
During puberty, testosterone helps males develop:
Testosterone replacement is exactly what its name implies. It's a therapy for men that replaces diminished testosterone levels, which helps balance your hormones and ultimately improves your life. Also called androgen replacement therapy, TRT alleviates many of the side effects that men suffer from as a result of low testosterone.
Testosterone was originally synthesized in a lab in 1935. Its popularity has grown since, and today, it is among the most promising doctor-prescribed treatments for men in the United States.
So, how does testosterone replacement therapy work? TRT essentially gives you the testosterone needed to be healthy and have a properly functioning body. As the primary androgen for males, testosterone has a role in the natural processes your body needs for overall health. This extra hormonal intake positively affects patients and their general health, preventing diseases such as osteoporosis, cardiac diseases, and more.
Though there is an abundance of testosterone in your system throughout puberty and into your 20s, it gradually depletes with age. Sometimes, serious injuries and long-term conditions like diabetes affect testosterone levels. Unfortunately, when a man loses too much testosterone, it results in a condition called hypogonadism. Also called "Low T," testosterone loss due to hypogonadism must be replenished, or the male suffers from difficult, even debilitating symptoms.
Though some symptoms of low T are abundantly evident, not all men can immediately tell they may need TRT. If you're unsure, ask yourself these questions:
If you answered yes to any of those questions, it could be time to contact Juventee about a personalized TRT plan. Still unsure if you're experiencing symptoms of low T? We have compiled a more extensive list of signs below:
Low energy used to be considered a normal part of aging. Today, most doctors know better. Modern advances in medicine show that lack of energy and low T often go hand-in-hand.
If it's a huge struggle to keep up with your kids on the soccer field, or you just don't have the energy to be active, you may have low testosterone. Getting tired is normal, but if it's an ongoing problem affecting you and your family, it's time to consult a doctor.
Whether you're having a tough time getting through your day or can't finish normal activities, TRT in Fort Lee, NJ could be the solution.
You would think that lowered libido would be easy to pick up on, but when it happens gradually, it can be more difficult to diagnose. With that said, many men use TRT because they've lost that "spark" in the bedroom. It's not easy for a man to hear that they're not pleasing their partner because intimacy is an important part of a relationship.
The good news? Having a low libido doesn't have to be permanent. TRT treatments can help revert hormone levels to their normal range, making for a more enjoyable sex life.
If you're like millions of other men, hair loss is an unfortunate reality you don't want to think about. Closely related to hormone imbalances and testosterone decline, hair loss is about as distressing as it gets. This common symptom is often related to DHT - a derivative of testosterone that can cause hair follicles to die.
Thankfully, a carefully monitored TRT regimen can help restore hair, especially when combined with methods like plasma-rich therapy. While it's true that you can't change your genes, you can change the effects of low testosterone in your body, so hair loss isn't your only reality.
Weak erections - it's an uncomfortable subject for men to talk about. It's even worse to experience the symptom in the heat of the moment. Despite being very common, men shame themselves when they can't achieve an erection. And while there are many reasons for this malady, low testosterone is often a contributing factor.
Fortunately, you don't have to live with weak erections forever when you balance your hormones with a personalized TRT treatment plan from Juventee.
You're feeling down about everything and can't figure out why you feel crummy about life. You're successful at work but feel unaccomplished. If you're experiencing symptoms like these, you may be depressed - and it could be stemming from low testosterone.
Studies show that men with depression and high cortisol levels also commonly have low testosterone. Because higher cortisol levels can lead to low T, the chances of severe depression increase.
Depression is a very real disorder and should always be diagnosed and treated by your doctor. One treatment option, when used in conjunction with therapy, is TRT. When TRT is used to replenish hormone levels, men enjoy a lighter, more optimistic mood. That's great news for depressed men who have had little-to-no success with powerful anti-depression meds.
Experts have found that men who lose a week's worth of sleep may experience a drop in testosterone by as much as 15%. These findings are alarming and may suggest that sleep loss lowers T levels and affects wellbeing.
If you find yourself exhausted at the end of the day but toss and turn all night long, it could be time to have your testosterone levels checked. TRT may restore your testosterone levels which can help you sleep better with proper exercise and diet.
Are you struggling to lift weights in the gym or find that you can't pick up items that used to be easy to lift? Studies show that inactive men can lose .5% of muscle strength each year after the age of 25. When you hit 60, muscle loss doubles every ten years. While muscle loss is common with age, it can also be linked to low T.
Testosterone is a crucial piece needed for building and retaining muscle mass. That's why many doctors are prescribing TRT for males experiencing sharp declines in strength and muscle mass. Whether your workouts are losing steam or you're having problems lifting items that aren't very heavy, don't blame it all on age. You could be suffering from hypogonadism.
Nobody likes to gain weight, even though our society is more accepting of overweight people than ever before. Despite diets and carb cutting, many men aren't able to get rid of excess belly and body fat, increasing the chances of heart disease and cancer.
Sometimes, male weight gain isn't caused by sweets and carbs but by hormone imbalances that slow the metabolism. This phase of life is called andropause and occurs when testosterone levels are low. Combining a low metabolism with other symptoms like high cortisol levels can be a recipe for a double-chinned disaster. Fortunately, TRT treatments and physician-led weight loss programs can correct hormone imbalances and lead to healthy weight loss for men.
The enlargement of male breast tissue, also called "man boobs," is a fairly common condition that many men have. Though it is closely associated with diet and other life choices, increased fatty tissue is often caused by hormonal imbalances.
If you're approaching middle age and you're embarrassed by having large breasts, don't lose hope. TRT is a safe, effective way to eliminate the underlying cause of gynecomastia without invasive surgery. With a custom HRT and fitness program, you can bring your testosterone and estrogen levels back to normal before you know it.
The human body is amazing in so many ways. Still, we have to optimize it every now and then using science, medicine, and hard work. After 40, you may notice that your body is changing, but symptoms like low libido and lack of motivation don't have to be permanent. Juventee has the team, tools, and experience to help recapture your youth and feel better than ever before.
If you're getting older and you're worried about low testosterone, give our office a call today. It would be our pleasure to care for you using the highest quality products, backed by research and applied by professionals with your best interests in mind.
Whether you need a boost to help you get through your busy work week or a natural solution to an embarrassing problem like ED, we're here for you. Our doctors will explain your treatment options in-depth and take as much time as you need to feel comfortable and confident about TRT. Remember, when you treat your body with love and care, it will reciprocate generously. Let our team teach you the techniques to prolong your sense of youth and provide you with the treatment to solidify your wellbeing as you age with grace. Contact Juventee today. By tomorrow, you'll be one step closer to meeting the best version of yourself.
FORT LEE, N.J., Feb. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Unity Bank has opened a new full service branch in Fort Lee, increasing its service footprint to 20 branches and enhancing its retail presence in Bergen County. The new branch is located at 899 Palisade Avenue at the intersection with Columbia Avenue.“We are committed to Bergen County and Fort Lee is a na...
FORT LEE, N.J., Feb. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Unity Bank has opened a new full service branch in Fort Lee, increasing its service footprint to 20 branches and enhancing its retail presence in Bergen County. The new branch is located at 899 Palisade Avenue at the intersection with Columbia Avenue.
“We are committed to Bergen County and Fort Lee is a natural fit to our footprint,” said Unity Bank President & CEO James A. Hughes. “Banking services at the branch level are increasingly important to our customers, particularly small business owners who still, even in the age of electronic banking, rely on branches. Community banks are engines for economic growth and we are focused on bringing that drive to Bergen County.”
Unity is bringing a local flavor to the 1890 square foot branch. The facility features the abstract landscape oil paintings of Bergen County artist Sol Zaretsky of Teaneck. Unity purchased several of Zaretsky’s paintings through its program to support local artists in communities where it has branches.
The facility, previously operated by another bank, includes dedicated parking and drive-up banking and ATM services. Surrounding businesses include an insurance company, salon and a dentist.
Ryan Peene, Unity Bank’s Senior Vice President/Chief Depository Officer, who is well known in the Bergen County and Hudson County communities for his leadership roles on the City of Hoboken Planning Board and Greater Bergen Community Action, leads the development of the Fort Lee branch and all of Unity’s retail banking operations. The Fort Lee team also includes Franca Fabrizio, Area Manager; Sunita Pereira, Operations Manager; Vince Forma, Commercial Lender; Kathleen Hay, SBA Lender; and Mortgage Lenders Nicholas Aversa and Pasquale Grande.
Fort Lee is the second new branch opened by Unity in the last two months. In December, the bank opened a branch in Lakewood in Ocean County. Unity Bank now provides financial services to retail, corporate and small business customers in Bergen, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Ocean, Somerset, Union and Warren Counties in New Jersey and Northampton County in Pennsylvania. The bank holds about $2.4 billion in assets and $1.8 billion in deposits.
“Unity is committed to supporting small businesses and families,” said Hughes. “The new branches are bringing our full suite of products and services to the local marketplace. We are helping launch small businesses, grow existing companies and enable families to purchase a house, or put an addition on their existing home.”
About Unity Bancorp, Inc.Unity Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: UNTY), the parent company of Unity Bank, its primary and wholly owned subsidiary, is a financial services organization headquartered in Clinton, New Jersey. Unity Bank provides financial services to businesses and consumers at 20 branches throughout New Jersey and the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. Unity Bank provides community-oriented commercial banking services, including deposit accounts, loans, online and mobile services. For more information, please visit unitybank.com or call 800-618-BANK (800-618-2265).
MEDIA CONTACT:Fred FeinerYankee Public Relations(908) 425-4878[email protected]
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dec6936f-3d1d-4aad-8291-66f677fa2210
As the transportation system works to become more sustainable, low-carbon fuels for cars and trucks get a lot of attention. But there's a big, old problem that's costing the country money, time, and carbon dioxide emissions: traffic.Highway congestion adds tens of billions of dollars to the cost of freight transportation each year — nearly ...
Highway congestion adds tens of billions of dollars to the cost of freight transportation each year — nearly $75 billion in 2016, and over $42 billion in 2019, according to the most recent available data. Truck drivers, who move more than 70% of US freight, sit in traffic for over 1 billion hours per year, burning fuel, and emitting carbon dioxide.
"Reducing idling hours and time wasted in stop-and-go traffic on our nation's highway bottlenecks will make more efficient use of every gallon of fuel burned," he said, adding that "congestion serves as a brake on economic growth and job creation nationwide."
According to the institute's analysis, which uses GPS data to identify where freight trucks are forced to sit idle, the "average rush hour truck speeds were 36.3 MPH, down more than six percent from the previous year."
These are the top 10 most congested bottlenecks for trucks, ranked from best to worst:
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One of the most famous celebrations, Mardi Gras, is a party like none other. Rich in culture, history, food, decadence, and music, the celebration of Mardi Gras isn’t confined just to New Orleans. Mardi Gras, which translates to Fat Tuesday, is the day before Ash Wednesday – the day that signifies the start of the 40 days leading up to Easter (essentially, it’s the day to get all your sinning in be...
One of the most famous celebrations, Mardi Gras, is a party like none other. Rich in culture, history, food, decadence, and music, the celebration of Mardi Gras isn’t confined just to New Orleans. Mardi Gras, which translates to Fat Tuesday, is the day before Ash Wednesday – the day that signifies the start of the 40 days leading up to Easter (essentially, it’s the day to get all your sinning in before the long fast). If you can’t make it down to NOLA for the festivities, there are several places in the North Jersey area that are ready to celebrate. Read on for a guide on celebrating Mardi Gras in North Jersey.
From 10AM to 11AM on February 21st, the Reeves-Reed Arboretum will be hosting a Mardi Gras Celebration for kids ages 5 to 10. Members and non-members alike are welcome to attend. Registration is required and masks are optional. This event will allow children to learn about the culture and the history of the holiday and make crafts. You can register here.
Read More: A Definitive List of Hoboken Desserts You Must Eat ASAP
From 1PM to 3:30PM on September 19th, there will be a Mardi Gras celebration at the Brunswick Square Mall located at 755 NJ-18 East Brunswick. This event is perfect for little ones and features crafts, samba dancers, face paint, balloon twisting, and more.
Corgi Spirits is partnering with Krewe of McGinley Square to host a NOLA-themed pop-up event featuring authentic dishes and drinks alongside live music. Entrance is $10 and food and drinks are available for purchase a la carte. The event will run from 5PM to 8PM on February 21st at 1 Distillery Drive in Jersey City. You can purchase tickets on Eventbrite.
East Orange Golf Course located at 440 Parsonage Hill Road in Short Hills, will be offering a Happy Hour Social with Mixers. You will get to enjoy drinks, appetizers, and entrees in their newly rebuilt clubhouse. This mixer sponsored by Professional and Business Social Network (PBSN) and several Meetup groups is designed for guests to get to know others and requests that you wear Business Casual Mardi Gras attire. It will run from 5PM to 7:30PM on February 21st. You can purchase tickets on Eventbrite.
(Photo credit: @beigentsnj)
Beignets, located in downtown Denville, is a tasty treat spot offering European-inspired coffee, lattes, and desserts. Here you can order from over 13 specialty doughnuts or make your own. If you DIY your doughnuts you can try strawberry glazed with peanut butter chips on top or even banana glazed with chocolate chips. Along with their donuts, Beignets is one of the few places in North Jersey where you can get freshly made beignets. These warm and pillow-soft treats come with powdered sugar and sometimes even cinnamon. It’s truly all in the name.
(Photo credit: @bourbonstreetbeignet)
At Bourbon Street Beignet you’ll get a little bit of NOLA in NJ. This New Orleans-style cafe offers croissants, pie, muffins, danish, cinnamon rolls, cookies, and of course beignets (it’s in the name). You can order a three, six, or twelve count of beignets covered with powdered sugar or rolled in cinnamon sugar.
Cap’t Loui serves Cajun-style seafood and sides. Here you can enjoy their Boiler option which includes your choice of seafood, sauce, whatever spice you can handle, and extras like noodles, corn, and potatoes. Cap’t Loui also offers jambalaya (a rice dish consisting of meat and vegetables) Po’Boy sandwiches, and beignets.
Crab Island Cajun Seafood + Bar is a full liquor bar serving hush puppies, corn, sausage, rice, and more fried fish than you could catch. Open from 12PM to 10PM, this bar offers outdoor seating, has several televisions for sports watching, and has Spanish-speaking staff. If you are looking for a chill date night and some crab legs, Crab Island is perfect.
With over 75 locations, six of which are in North Jersey, Hook + Reel is serving up some really good Cajun seafood. Here you can find lobster, catfish, flounder, and oyster fried, breaded, and served to perfection. Their Po’Boys are literally a mouth full. Served with french fries or soup, these sandwiches can be filled with catfish, flounder, or shrimp — and for non-seafood lovers, you can get chicken.
Krewe of McGinley Square is a taste of NOLA in Jersey City. The masterminds behind this restaurant are actress and filmmaker Hank Morris and chef Anthony Tamburro, a husband and wife duo. Since Spring 2021 the couple has been serving cornbread, gumbo, Po’Boys, jambalaya, grits, collard greens, beignets, and of course, seafood. In case you didn’t know, krewe is a term regarding organizations that stage a parade or carnival celebration and is highly associated with Mardi Gras.
(Photo credit: @labonbakery)
La Bon Bake Shoppes opened its doors in 1952 as La Bonbonniere Bake Shoppes. While it has a French name and an Italian founder, the bakery has always offered a variety of European and American goods. In preparation for Mardi Gras, the spot will be serving Kings Cake, macaroons, and paczki until February 19th at 7PM. Paczki options include cheese, raspberry, Nutella custard, chocolate cannoli, and more. The Kings Cake comes in a variety of flavors such as lemon, blueberry, cherry, strawberry, and cinnamon cream.
See More: A Guide to Authentic French Eateries in Montclair + Beyond
The Cajun Crab Louisiana Seafood Restaurant serves a wide variety of seafood such as tilapia, calamari, shrimp, clams, mussels, and scallops. Along with these authentic Louisiana dishes you can order hush puppies, which are a must, as well as corn, sausage, and rice.
On January 12, 2022, NJ Governor Phil Murphy announced the construction of a massive film production facility in Monmouth County. Netflix will build on Fort Monmouth, which currently houses the latest extension of New Jersey City University’s campus. Before then, the lot served as an Army base which has since been deactivated. At the board meeting on September 12, 2022, University officials announced that they were contemplating discontinuing the use of the campus following concerns regarding shockingly low admissions rates, a nearly $...
On January 12, 2022, NJ Governor Phil Murphy announced the construction of a massive film production facility in Monmouth County. Netflix will build on Fort Monmouth, which currently houses the latest extension of New Jersey City University’s campus. Before then, the lot served as an Army base which has since been deactivated. At the board meeting on September 12, 2022, University officials announced that they were contemplating discontinuing the use of the campus following concerns regarding shockingly low admissions rates, a nearly $20 million deficit in profits, as well as several layoffs and resignations in leadership.
In its efforts to attract more film and media professionals, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority extended and expanded its tax credit policies. Even including an incentive for large productions with a diverse cast, Netflix is the latest to take advantage of the generous New Jersey Film & Digital Media Tax Credit Program, enacted in 2019 by Governor Phil Murphy.
The Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) sent a letter to the executives at Netflix, citing the tax breaks, along with New Jersey’s potential for sustainable production infrastructure. While Netflix is the only large-scale film studio company to announce its acceptance of the alluring offer publicly, it was considered among Disney, Warner Bros., and Lionsgate. The latter has also announced that they will open a production facility in Newark, which has become the hub for diverse and creative talent.
“Our team is incredibly passionate about Fort Monmouth’s revitalization, and is committed to surpassing the Fort’s prior role as a major economic driver in the region,” says FMERA Executive Director Kara Kopach. “A project of this scale has the potential not only to create thousands of jobs, but will also result in significant investment on the Fort, and spur local development in support of the project. The magnitude of Netflix’s investment is an absolute windfall for our stakeholders and the State of New Jersey. We’re eager to see this project come to fruition.”
There is nothing new about film being a priority in New Jersey. Some of the most acclaimed movies like “West Side Story,” “Joker,” and “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” were filmed in the Garden State. In fact, New Jersey is home to the first film projector, film studio, and drive-in theater in the world. Fort Lee, New Jersey, is heralded as the “Birthplace of the Motion Picture Industry.”
Most favor New Jersey getting back on the map in the media and film industries, as this change will positively impact the workforce. Jobs in fields like these are imperative for students, professionals in and outside of the field, and community members who will have recreational access to the amenities. With costs coming in at close to $900 million, the production powerhouse could employ over 3,500 people in its development and create over 1,500 jobs in media and film.
Hopefully, these job opportunities are reserved mostly for the people of New Jersey. Properties in areas such as Montclair, Monmouth County, and Newark are now selling for thousands over their asking price, meaning that the announcement has sparked an interest in relocating to New Jersey. This can potentially attract more people from neighboring states, making real estate and the workforce even more volatile for those of the Garden State.
Government officials will need to think ahead to accommodate the change by expanding public transportation, building more apartment-style affordable housing, and ensuring that the infrastructure of these areas is not compromised. From trailers and lighting to cameras and audio, production is an intricate (and sometimes invasive) process. One can only hope that when the project comes to fruition, it’s not to the detriment of the surrounding communities. Folks live and work in these towns, and it is important to consider how production could potentially impact transportation and the cost of living.
Dyquan Waters is an Editorial Intern at New Jersey Digest. Studying English and Education at Kean University, he is always looking to refine his writing. In his free time, he enjoys cooking yummy plant-based foods, rollerskating, and camping. When he isn't caring for his plants, you can find him brewing a fresh cup of loose-leaf tea.
The Plaza Loiza supermarkets will add up to 5 MW of rooftop solar generating capacity across eight stores, with its first location in Carolinas projected to provide a 60% reduction in its energy needs.Plaza Loíza, a Puerto Rico island grocery chain, is taking a major step towards a more sustainable future and becoming the first supermarket on the island to adopt Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) solutions. Image: El Vocero de Puerto Rico A San Juan, Puerto Rico supermarket chain has made a commitment to renewable ...
The Plaza Loiza supermarkets will add up to 5 MW of rooftop solar generating capacity across eight stores, with its first location in Carolinas projected to provide a 60% reduction in its energy needs.
Plaza Loíza, a Puerto Rico island grocery chain, is taking a major step towards a more sustainable future and becoming the first supermarket on the island to adopt Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) solutions.
Image: El Vocero de Puerto Rico
A San Juan, Puerto Rico supermarket chain has made a commitment to renewable energy by signing an energy-as-a-service agreement to install on-site solar at its eight store locations. Plaza Loíza, based in San Juan, this week became the first supermarket on the island to move forward with a rooftop solar portfolio to reduce energy costs, hedge against future electricity rate increase, and cut its carbon footprint.
Loiza’s first rooftop solar system sized at 520 kW will be installed over the coming months by Delta Energy Partners, LLC and ESCOPR, a local energy efficiency engineering firm. James Tu, chief executive officer of Delta Energy Partners, the project developer, told pv magazine USA the first solar system in Carolina, Puerto Rico uses a 290 kW rooftop array with additional carport PV systems providing 230 kW, bringing total onsite generating capacity to 520 kW.
With a number of Plaza Loiza’s markets located in shopping malls not requiring carport systems, Tu said the supermarket portfolio could see up to 5 MW total solar installations using both rooftop and carport systems.
Delta Energy is using Boviet Gamma mono bifacial PERC solar modules and Hoymiles HM series microinverters across the supermarket portfolio, Tu said.
The developer applied for a net metering permit from PREPA, Puerto Rico’s grid manager and power authority, as well as construction permits for carports at the Carolina project site, and expects to complete installation by May, with other projects across the San Juan portfolio to follow.
Including energy audits, installation, and a 25-year maintenance agreement, the Carolina, P.R. supermarket project requires no upfront capital investment from Plaza Loíza, which will pay for solar energy at a significantly lower rate than what local power company Luma Energy currently charges. Luma is a consortium made up of Canadian firm Atco Energy and Quanta Services.
“We are thrilled to work with DEP and ESCOPR to bring solar power to our properties and stores, starting at the Metropolis shopping center in Carolina,” said Ferdysac Márquez, president of Plaza Loiza. “This project, using the EaaS model, will significantly reduce our carbon footprint, helping us achieve our goal to be more friendly to our environment and decrease our energy cost, at a time when Puerto Rico’s power rate is already high and continues to increase.”
Puerto Rico could be an epitome of what’s coming for the global energy transition, Tu told pv magazine USA. The island relies heavily on fossil fuel for its power source and following increased frequency and severity of climate change-linked storms, creates a huge opportunity for distributed generation resources such as rooftop solar and energy efficiency solutions.
In addition, Puerto Rico’s electric rate costs continue to rise, with a seven time increase over the last 18 months due to the privatization of Puerto Rico’s transmission and generation assets, which now reflect the true cost of maintenance and upgrade for the power infrastructure, Tu said.
The Puerto Rico commonwealth’s January 2022 bankruptcy exit led to the U.S. Financial Oversight and Management Board overseeing its finances, making it harder for the local government to continue to subsidize utility cost increases across the island. Climate change and the island government’s solvency have forced residents and businesses to seek energy efficiency and solar energy.
Delta Energy Partners, based in Fort Lee, N.J., has provided energy as a service solutions to Puerto Rico commercial and government entities since 2014, though its business saw multiple disruptions between 2018 and 2022 due to Hurricane Maria and the COVID-19 pandemic, Tu said.
The company chose Puerto Rico to provide Net Zero Building solutions, from energy efficient LED lighting to distributed energy such as rooftop solar projects, Tu said.
With a no-money down cost structure, Delta Energy and ESCOPR are paving the way for more island grocery stores and retailers to deploy onsite solar systems. The partnership between Plaza Loíza, Delta Energy and ESCOPR is just one of many examples of collaboration in the island aimed at promoting clean energy and reducing energy costs.
Energy Resilience Relief
This week the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office released a Request for Information (RFI) to gather feedback from stakeholders in Puerto Rico on how to allocate $1 billion managed through the Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund (PR-ERF).
After recent hurricanes and decades of underinvestment in the island’s electric grid, the new funding will be developed to increase energy resilience and reduce the energy burden on the Caribbean island’s vulnerable residents. The investment also aligns with Puerto Rico’s public energy policy to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2050 as well as the Biden Administration’s commitment to improving the island’s energy system.
The PR-ERF package will be managed by the Grid Deployment Office in consultation with the Federal Energy Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The agency is requesting information from Puerto Rican stakeholders about both short- and long-term energy solutions including residential rooftop solar deployment, community and critical service energy resilience, non-profit partnerships, and workforce training to sustain the island’s clean energy economy.
Feedback for the PR-ERF process, including identifying priority energy technologies and solutions, eligibility, funding structure, and timing, can be provided to government stakeholders by April 21 at 5 p.m. ET by emailing: [email protected]. Initial funding from the program is expected to be administered by the end of 2023.
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