Governor Mikie Sherrill today signed the Garden State Balcony Solar Act (S2368/A4836), a new law designed to remove regulatory barriers and allow New Jersey residents to purchase and use portable, plug-in solar panels. This legislation aims to enable citizens to generate their own clean energy and significantly lower their electricity costs.
These balcony solar devices, which include a microinverter and adapter, plug into a standard 120-volt outlet, providing electricity directly to a home's existing electrical system to offset energy use. The new law exempts qualifying plug-in solar devices of up to 1,200 watts from utility interconnection and metering requirements, including certain fees and approvals. It also prevents landlords, homeowner associations, and municipalities from broadly prohibiting their use or requiring permits.
Governor Sherrill emphasized the dual benefits, saying, "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 added that the act "demonstrates that lowering utility costs for our residents and moving toward a greener future can go hand in hand."
This initiative is part of Governor Sherrill's broader energy agenda focused on reducing costs for New Jerseyans. Her administration has previously frozen rate hikes, accelerated new energy generation, approved 18 new solar and battery storage projects, and expanded community solar. Doug O'Malley, Director of Environment New Jersey, praised the move, stating, "Now is the time to make it as easy as possible for all residents across New Jersey – renters, apartment dwellers and home-owners – to go green by literally plugging into clean energy." These collective actions are projected to save New Jersey ratepayers $1 billion annually.