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
Garden State Plug-In Solar Act (S2368/A4836)
Status
Passed both chambers — awaiting Governor Murphy
Last action
Passed both chambers · July 1, 2026

What the bill would allow

New Jersey's legislature passed the Garden State Plug-In Solar Act (S2368/A4836) 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.
Bill has not been signed yet

The Governor has not set a public deadline for action on the Garden State Plug-In Solar Act. Every savings figure on this page 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. Sol Country will update this page the same day the bill is signed.

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One email the moment Garden State Plug-In Solar Act (S2368/A4836) is signed — with the effective date, wattage limit, and every kit legal at your address.

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What you CAN do in New Jersey today

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

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 (Garden State Plug-In Solar Act (S2368/A4836)) 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