The Garden State Balcony Solar Act (S2368 / A4836) passed both chambers unanimously and was signed by Governor Mikie Sherrill on September 1, 2026. It takes effect on March 1, 2027, six months after signing.
It is one of the strongest renter-protection laws in the country:
- Landlords and homeowners associations cannot ban qualifying units.
- Municipalities cannot require permits, licenses or fees to use one.
- Qualifying devices up to 1,200 watts are exempt from utility interconnection agreements, net-metering rules and related equipment mandates.
Why it matters
New Jersey has millions of renters in multifamily buildings, and residential rates above 25¢/kWh. Supporters of the bill estimated balcony units can shave up to roughly $50 a month off a bill in the best case; our more conservative default scenario is shown below.
What plug-in solar is worth in New Jersey
New Jersey households pay an average of 25.19¢ per kWh, 38% above the US average of 18.31¢. With roughly 4.3 peak sun hours a day, here is what a well-placed system produces and saves. We assume panels facing south at about 30°, 86% system efficiency and 80% of output used on-site.
800 W kit (2 panels)
- Saved per year
- $218
- Payback ($900 kit)
- 4.1 yr
- Energy used
- 864 kWh/yr
- 25-year net
- $4,540
1,200 W kit (max)
- Saved per year
- $326
- Payback ($1,300 kit)
- 4.0 yr
- Energy used
- 1,296 kWh/yr
- 25-year net
- $6,860
Run your own numbers
Change the orientation, mounting and size to match your balcony.
Estimated savings · New Jersey
$218/ year
≈ $18.13 per month
- Payback
- 4.1 yrs
- Energy used
- 864 kWh/yr
- 25-year net
- $4,540
- CO₂ avoided
- 700 lb/yr
Monthly savings profile
Estimates only. Rate: EIA July 2026 state average; sun hours: long-term averages. See our methodology.
What to do now
- 1Wait until March 1, 2027 before connecting to an outlet; buy and plan now.
- 2Choose a certified microinverter (UL 1741 at minimum; UL 3700 system listing is best) and stay under 1,200 W.
- 3Plug into a dedicated outdoor-rated outlet — never an extension cord or power strip.
- 4Tell your home or renters insurer, and keep the spec sheets.
New Jersey plug-in solar FAQ
Is plug-in solar legal in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey passed S2368 / A4836 (Garden State Balcony Solar Act), signed September 1, 2026. It takes effect on March 1, 2027. Systems up to 1,200 W that use certified equipment can be plugged into a standard outlet without a utility interconnection agreement.
How much can balcony solar save in New Jersey?
At New Jersey's average residential rate of 25.19¢/kWh (EIA, July 2026) and about 4.3 peak sun hours a day, a south-facing, tilted 800 W kit saves roughly $218 a year, paying back a $900 kit in about 4.1 years. Vertical railing mounts produce about 30% less.
What is the maximum plug-in solar size in New Jersey?
The law allows up to 1,200 watts of AC output. That's roughly the safe continuous load on a standard 15-amp household circuit.
Sources
- New Jersey Globe — Sherrill signs balcony solar law
- Solar Power World — New Jersey governor signs balcony solar bill
- Exact Solar — state-by-state plug-in solar update (Jul 2026)
- EIA — Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (residential prices)
Not legal advice. Laws and effective dates can change; confirm with official New Jersey sources and your utility.