Overview
- Lawmakers voted unanimously to pass the Garden State Balcony/Plug‑In Solar Act, which now awaits Governor Mikie Sherrill’s signature before becoming law.
- The measure allows portable plug‑in solar systems up to 1,200 watts to operate without a permit or utility interconnection filing, easing access for apartment dwellers and homeowners.
- Devices must meet National Electrical Code requirements and be UL‑listed to UL 3700 standards except for a 400‑watt or smaller class that is exempt from the full listing rule.
- The law bars landlords, homeowner associations, and condominium associations from outright bans but lets them impose reasonable size or placement limits and requires 14 days’ written notice with safety documentation before installation.
- Utilities are not required to approve interconnection and are shielded from liability for property damage or power‑quality issues, and advocates say the law could lower bills and expand clean‑energy access as New Jersey joins other states moving to allow balcony solar.