New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has signed the the Garden State Balcony Solar Act (S2368/A4836) into law, enabling New Jerseyites to install and use portable solar generation devices of up to 1,200 watts without the need to apply for an installation permit or obtain their utility’s approval.
The law, which was passed by the state’s two legislative bodies on unanimous votes in late June, would require the portable solar devices to comply with provisions of the most recent versions of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the State Uniform Construction Code, in addition to becoming listed or certified under the UL 3700 Outline of Investigation for Interactive Plug-In PV (PIPV) Equipment and Systems.
The bill creates an exemption for devices with power output of 400 watts from the need to obtain the UL listing or comply with the NEC and state code.
“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,” said Governor Sherrill in a statement. “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.”
Notably, the bill also contains provisions that restrict landlords and homeowners’ associations (HOAs) from prohibiting the use of portable solar generation devices, so long as renters (or homeowners subject to HOA oversight) abide by “reasonable restrictions concerning the size, placement, or manner of placement of a portable solar generation device on the exterior of a unit owner’s or tenant’s premises.”
News of the law was celebrated widely among advocates and industry representatives. “By making solar more accessible, New Jersey is building a fairer, more affordable energy system where everyone can share in the benefits of clean power,” said Elowyn Corby, Senior Regional Director for the Mid-Atlantic, Vote Solar Action Fund. “We are grateful Governor Sherrill has stood with New Jersey families and taken a major step toward a clean energy future that delivers greater energy affordability and access to solar.”
“By signing this law, Governor Sherrill and legislative leaders have taken another big step in making solar energy more affordable and accessible for New Jerseyans,” said Stephan Scherer, CEO and co-founder of CraftStrom, a company that sells balcony solar equipment. “As the most densely populated state in the nation, New Jersey is built for plug-in solar: it takes just an hour to install, fits on apartment and condominium balconies, and cuts utility bills immediately. New Jersey is sending a clear signal that the future of solar is portable, affordable, and consumer-led.”
Plug-in solar bills in other states (such as the recently-passed California Plug and Play Solar Act) do not contain similar protections for renters and HOA members.
With Sherrill’s signature, New Jersey becomes the ninth state in the nation to enact a plug-in solar law. Laws in two other states — New York’s SUNNY Act and the aforementioned California legislation — await action from governors in those states.
The Garden State Balcony Solar Act bill will take effect on March 1, 2027, giving the state Board of Public Utilities time to take action necessary to implement the law’s provisions.
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