Is balcony solar legal in New Jersey right now?

No. New Jersey's balcony solar bill (The Garden State Solar Act (S2368/A4836) — also referred to as the Garden State Plug-In Solar Act or Garden State Balcony Solar Act depending on the source) has not yet been signed into law. Installing a plug-in solar system that requires utility interconnection is not currently allowed under New Jersey's existing rules.

When could New Jersey's balcony solar bill pass?

The bill is on the governor's desk. Most governors act within 10–30 days of receiving a bill.

What can I do in New Jersey today while I wait?

You can join a community solar subscription (no equipment install required), buy portable solar generators (no legislation required), and check whether you qualify for utility bill assistance. Details are in the "What you can do today" section on this page.

NEW JERSEY · AWAITING SIGNATURE

New Jersey: balcony solar is not legal yet — here's exactly where the bill stands.

The bill has passed both chambers and is on Governor Phil Murphy (D)'s desk.

Bill: The Garden State Solar Act (S2368/A4836) — also referred to as the Garden State Plug-In Solar Act or Garden State Balcony Solar Act depending on the source
Status: Passed both chambers — awaiting Governor Murphy
Last action: Passed both chambers · July 1, 2026

What's available now · EV charging

Charge Up NJ EV charger incentive.

New Jersey pays toward both the charger and the vehicle through the NJ Clean Energy Program.

Charge Up NJ home charger incentive

$250

For qualifying Level 2 home EV charger installations.

njcleanenergy.com/ev →

PSE&G make-ready coverage

Panel + wiring costs

PSE&G covers panel and wiring make-ready costs separately — ask specifically about make-ready coverage when getting quotes.

Charge Up NJ vehicle incentive

Up to $2,000

For a qualifying EV purchase. Combine with the federal OBBBA loan interest deduction on qualifying American-made vehicles.

Verify current availability at njcleanenergy.com/ev.

The federal 30C EV charger credit expired June 30, 2026.

What the bill would allow

New Jersey's legislature passed the Garden State Solar Act (S2368/A4836) — also referred to as the Garden State Plug-In Solar Act or Garden State Balcony Solar Act depending on the source — unanimously on July 1, 2026. The bill now awaits Governor Murphy's signature and takes effect 6 months after signing. If signed, NJ renters gain the legal right to install plug-in solar up to 1,200W — no landlord permission needed, no utility interconnection agreement required. At New Jersey's ~$0.165/kWh average residential rate, an 800W kit saves ~$100/year (IF signed).

Wattage cap: up to 1,200W
No utility interconnection agreement for compliant plug-in kits.
Renter and HOA protections — the exact language is still being finalized.

Official bill name being verified

The enrolled bill is currently cited as the Garden State Solar Act (S2368/A4836), the Garden State Plug-In Solar Act, or the Garden State Balcony Solar Act depending on the source. Sol Country is verifying the official enrolled bill name against the New Jersey legislature's primary source (njleg.state.nj.us). This page will be updated with the confirmed official title once the source is verified. Every savings figure assumes the bill is signed and takes effect — nothing is guaranteed until Governor Murphy signs. Community solar, SREC market participation, and bill assistance programs are available in New Jersey today regardless of what happens with the bill.

POSITIVE SIGNAL:
Governor Sherrill signed multiple energy-related bills in July 2026, demonstrating active engagement with energy legislation. The Garden State Solar Act (S2368/A4836) — also referred to as the Garden State Plug-In Solar Act or Garden State Balcony Solar Act depending on the source — awaits her signature. Sol Country will update the moment it’s signed.

Source: Utility Dive, July 8, 2026.

Get notified · Free

Be first when New Jersey legalizes balcony solar.

One email the moment The Garden State Solar Act (S2368/A4836) — also referred to as the Garden State Plug-In Solar Act or Garden State Balcony Solar Act depending on the source is signed — with the effective date, wattage limit, and every kit legal at your address.

State alerts · No spam

Remind me when New Jersey's law takes effect.

What you CAN do in New Jersey today

You don't have to wait for the bill to save on your energy bill.

August 19, 2026 — New battery program

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities released a proposal for the next phase of the Garden State Energy Storage Program (GSESP) today. This program specifically targets home battery storage expansion across New Jersey.

This is separate from the Garden State Solar Act (balcony solar bill) awaiting the Governor's signature. New Jersey is actively building both solar and battery infrastructure in 2026.

Sol Country will update this page as the GSESP proposal moves to final approval. Contact the NJBPU at nj.gov/bpu for current program details.

Source: ROI-NJ, August 19, 2026.

1 · No install

Community solar

Subscribe to a nearby solar farm and save 5–15% on your electric bill — no panels on your building.

Browse plans in New Jersey →

2 · Legal in every state

Portable solar & power stations

Portable panels and battery generators don't require any state legislation. Great for outages, camping, and offsetting specific loads.

See portable kits →

3 · Direct help

Utility bill assistance

LIHEAP, WAP, and state programs can cut your bill by hundreds of dollars this year. Most renters qualify and don't know it.

Check what you qualify for →

While you wait for the law

Renter energy starter kit →

Four low-cost steps that work in every state today — no landlord permission needed.

See what a signed law looks like

These states have already passed plug-in solar laws. Their pages show the wattage cap, effective date, and every kit legal at your address.

See all 50 states in the tracker →Legality checker (any ZIP) →

Frequently asked questions

Is balcony solar legal in New Jersey right now?: No. New Jersey's balcony solar bill (The Garden State Solar Act (S2368/A4836) — also referred to as the Garden State Plug-In Solar Act or Garden State Balcony Solar Act depending on the source) has not yet been signed into law. Installing a plug-in solar system that requires utility interconnection is not currently allowed under New Jersey's existing rules.
When could New Jersey's balcony solar bill pass?: The bill is on the governor's desk. Most governors act within 10–30 days of receiving a bill.
What can I do in New Jersey today while I wait?: You can join a community solar subscription (no equipment install required), buy portable solar generators (no legislation required), and check whether you qualify for utility bill assistance. Details are in the "What you can do today" section on this page.

Compare across the country

Track where plug-in solar stands across the U.S. - passed, awaiting signature, or advancing through committee.

See all 50 states in the bill tracker →What is balcony solar?Solar access laws explained

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