TRENTON – Governor Mikie Sherrill signed the Garden State Balcony Solar Act (S2368/A4836) Tuesday, removing unnecessary red tape that will allow New Jerseyans to purchase and use portable, plug-in solar panels to generate their own clean energy and lower their electricity costs.
“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.”
Balcony solar devices plug into a standard 120-volt outlet — as most units come with a microinverter and adapter — and provide electricity directly to a home’s existing electrical system, helping offset energy use and lowering costs. These devices, as well as the microinverter/adapter, are readily available for purchase online and in local home improvement stores.
The 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 prevents landlords, homeowner associations, and similar entities from broadly prohibiting the use of these devices, while barring municipalities from prohibiting them or requiring permits for their use.
The act builds on Sherrill’s aggressive energy agenda to lower costs for New Jerseyans. During her inaugural address, Sherrill signed Executive Orders 1 and 2 to freeze rate hikes and accelerate new energy generation, particularly affordable, clean energy that can be deployed quickly. Since then, the Sherrill Administration has approved 18 new solar and battery storage projects, announced a historic expansion of community solar to 3,000 megawatts, signed legislation to hold data centers and utility companies accountable, as well as fast-tracking advanced grid technologies that will help cut costs. Together, these actions are estimated to save New Jersey ratepayers $1 billion annually.
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