New Jersey law opens the door to plug-in balcony solar panels

From March 1, 2027, New Jersey residents will have a new way to generate electricity at home: portable solar equipment that plugs into a standard outlet. The change follows Governor Mikie Sherrill’s signing of the Garden State Balcony Solar Act, identified as S2368/A4836, on Sept. 1, 2026.

The legislation changes the conditions for buying and using certain portable photovoltaic devices connected to a home’s electrical system. The administration says the measure removes procedures that had made access to these systems more difficult.

The eligible devices can produce no more than 1,200 watts and must connect through a standard 120-volt outlet. They must sit on the customer side of the electric meter and serve mainly to offset part of a home’s electricity consumption.

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From the first day, I have focused intensely on reducing energy costs through an approach that considers every option, and that includes putting clean, affordable, simply plug-in solar power directly into the hands of New Jersey residents.

The systems must also meet recognized safety standards for plug-in photovoltaic equipment. Another requirement is a mechanism that prevents the devices from sending electricity into the distribution network when an outage occurs.

“From the first day, I have focused intensely on reducing energy costs through an approach that considers every option, and that includes putting clean, affordable, simply plug-in solar power directly into the hands of New Jersey residents,” Sherrill said. She described balcony solar as a practical tool for families seeking to reduce expenses and take part in the shift toward renewable energy. “This bill eliminates unnecessary procedures, expands access to affordable solar power and demonstrates that affordability and sustainability can go hand in hand,” she said.

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This bill eliminates unnecessary procedures, expands access to affordable solar power and demonstrates that affordability and sustainability can go hand in hand.