Got a large, unused roof, or some extra space in the backyard? If you’ve got 50,000 square feet or more, you may be able to make some cash while boosting solar power in New Jersey.

PSE&G, New Jersey’s largest utility, is looking to lease space to install a total of 5 megawatts (mW) of solar power capacity. In early August, the NJ Board of Public Utilities granted the utility approval to implement its 80-mW, Solar 4 All Program. PSE&G has the panels and technical know-how required for the project. What they lack, it seems, is usable space. (They’ve already taken to installing panels atop utility poles — see the previous link.)

To address space constraints, the utility yesterday initiated an open call for third-party sites. As outlined on their website:

There is no cost to the host site for the installation or operation of the solar system, and PSE&G will be responsible for the maintenance of the system.  The selected host sites will not only earn revenue from the rental payments from PSE&G, but may also receive public recognition for taking part in an exciting new program to benefit the environment.

The “open season solicitation” runs through December 11, 2009. For big property owners, the program offers an opportunity to participate in the expansion of solar energy in New Jersey without having to personally engage the technical ins and outs of solar project development.