TRENTON — Governor Mikie Sherrill signed the Garden State Balcony Solar Act, a law designed to give New Jersey residents easier access to affordable, clean energy by removing regulatory obstacles for portable, plug-in solar panels.
The legislation, S2368/A4836, allows New Jersey residents to purchase and use plug-in solar devices to generate their own electricity and lower their utility bills.
Balcony solar devices connect to a standard 120-volt outlet, typically with a microinverter and adapter, and deliver electricity directly into a home’s existing electrical system, offsetting energy use and reducing costs. The devices and related equipment are widely available for purchase online and at local home improvement stores.
The new law exempts qualifying plug-in solar devices of up to 1,200 watts, roughly equivalent to the power used by a microwave oven, from utility interconnection and metering requirements, including certain fees, approvals and equipment mandates. It also prohibits landlords, homeowner associations and similar entities from broadly banning the devices, and bars municipalities from prohibiting their use or requiring permits.
The signing builds on Sherrill’s broader energy agenda aimed at lowering costs for New Jersey residents. During her inaugural address, Sherrill signed executive orders freezing rate hikes and accelerating new energy generation, particularly affordable, clean energy that can be deployed quickly. Since then, the administration has approved 18 new solar and battery storage projects, expanded community solar to 3,000 megawatts, signed legislation holding data centers and utility companies accountable and fast-tracked advanced grid technologies intended to cut costs. Officials estimate the combined actions will save New Jersey ratepayers $1 billion annually.
“From day one, I’ve been laser-focused on driving down energy costs through an all-of-the-above approach, and that includes putting clean, affordable solar power that you can simply plug in directly into the hands of New Jerseyans,” Sherrill said. “Balcony solar is a practical, easy-to-use tool that can help families save money while allowing more people to participate in our clean energy future. This bill cuts unnecessary red tape, expands access to affordable solar power, and proves that affordability and sustainability can go hand in hand.”
Senator John McKeon said the new law expands access to plug-in solar, particularly for renters and households without access to a private rooftop.
“With its signing today, we are greatly expanding access to plug-in solar, especially for renters and households without access to a private rooftop,” McKeon said. “By embracing innovative solutions like balcony solar, we can help households save on their utility bills and ensure the benefits of clean energy are accessible to all.”
Democratic Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak of Middlesex County said the law will make it easier for households, including renters, to access affordable solar energy without installing rooftop systems.
“This new law will make it easier for households, including renters, to access affordable solar energy without having to install rooftop solar systems,” Karabinchak said. “This is another step we are taking to help our residents save on their electricity costs.”
Doug O’Malley, director of Environment New Jersey, called the law a major step for renters and apartment dwellers who could not otherwise go solar.
“Plug-in solar is a simple concept, solar small enough to plug in but big enough to provide real environmental and bill benefits for residents who couldn’t go solar otherwise,” O’Malley said.
Jesse Sutherland, political and policy director for New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, said the act will help make the state’s clean energy transition more affordable, accessible and equitable.
Elowyn Corby, senior regional director for the Mid-Atlantic at Vote Solar Action Fund, said the measure builds toward a fairer energy system where more residents can share in the benefits of clean power.
Hannah Birnbaum, co-founder and chief of advocacy at Permit Power, said plug-in solar can save a family hundreds of dollars a year at no cost to ratepayers, adding that roughly 40 percent of New Jersey residents rent or live in apartments and have never had a way to lower their own power bill.
