Gov. Sherrill signs the Garden State Balcony Solar Act

New Jersey is now a plug-in solar state. On September 1, 2026, Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed the Garden State Balcony Solar Act (S2368/A4836), which the legislature had passed unanimously on July 1. The law lets residents buy and use portable, plug-in solar panels to generate their own power and cut their electricity bills.

Balcony solar devices plug into a standard 120-volt outlet — most kits ship with a microinverter and adapter — and feed power directly into a home's existing electrical system, offsetting what you'd otherwise buy from the utility.

What the law allows

• Qualifying plug-in solar devices up to 1,200 watts — roughly what a microwave draws.
• Exemption from utility interconnection and metering requirements, including certain fees, approvals, and equipment mandates.
• Landlords, homeowner associations, and similar entities can't broadly prohibit the devices.
• Municipalities can't ban them or require a permit for their use.

Why it matters here

Roughly 40 percent of New Jerseyans rent or live in apartments and have never had a practical way to lower their own power bill with solar. Sponsors Sen. John McKeon and Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak both framed the bill as a renter-first affordability measure, and it lands alongside the administration's broader push on energy costs.

As always, follow the manufacturer's installation instructions, use UL-certified equipment, and check with a licensed electrician if you're unsure about your outlet or circuit.