New Jersey clears the way for plug-in balcony solar panels
New law expands access to solar power for renters and condo owners
Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed legislation Tuesday allowing New Jersey residents to use small, plug-in solar power systems without first obtaining approvals from their electric company or local government.
State officials estimate that the plug-in solar power systems will cut residential electric bills by up to $50 a month.
The Garden State Balcony Solar Act applies to portable solar devices with a combined output of no more than 1,200 watts. The law takes effect March 1 of 2027.
Often called balcony solar, the systems typically include one or more portable panels, a microinverter, and an adapter that connects to a standard 120-volt outlet. The electricity flows into the home’s electrical system, reducing the amount of power drawn from the electric company.
Unlike larger rooftop installations, qualifying devices will not require a utility interconnection agreement, utility approval, additional utility equipment, or related fees. The devices are intended to offset a household’s electricity use rather than operate as conventional net-metered solar systems.
Equipment must meet specified safety-certification standards and include a feature preventing electricity from flowing to the grid during an outage. Systems producing more than 400 watts may also require electrical or building modifications to comply with state construction and electrical codes.
The law prevents municipalities from banning qualifying systems or requiring permits for the devices themselves. Permits may still be required for related electrical work or building alterations.
Landlords cannot broadly prohibit tenants who pay for their own electricity from using the devices inside their leased premises, including on a balcony or patio. Tenants must give landlords at least 14 days’ written notice, provide documentation showing that the equipment meets legal requirements, and identify where it will be placed.
Landlords, condominium associations, and homeowners’ associations may impose reasonable restrictions on a system’s size, placement, or installation. Tenants and property owners can also be held responsible for damage caused by negligent installation or use.
“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,” Sherrill said.
Krystal Knapp is the founder, executive director, and publisher of The Jersey Vindicator and the founder of Planet Princeton. She has more than two decades of experience reporting in New Jersey, including 10 years at The Trenton Times, where she was the newsroom’s public records and computer-assisted reporting expert. Her work has been recognized by the New Jersey Press Association and the Center for Cooperative Media. You can reach her at Krystal AT jerseyvindicator.org.