In this guide
Short answer: from March 1, 2027, New Jersey residents can use a plug-in solar device of up to 1,200 W without utility approval or a municipal permit. Devices above 400 W must be listed under UL 3700. Landlords and HOAs can set reasonable rules on size and placement but can't ban them.
- Status
- Signed Sept 1, 2026; starts March 1, 2027
- Law
- S2368/A4836, Garden State Balcony Solar Act
- Maximum output
- 1,200 W
- Certification
- UL 3700 listing above 400 W
- Permits
- Municipalities can't require them
- Landlords and HOAs
- Reasonable rules allowed; bans not allowed
The bill cleared both chambers on June 30, 2026 without a single no vote and was signed by Governor Mikie Sherrill on September 1. The delayed start gives the Board of Public Utilities time to put the law into practice. See how New Jersey compares on the 50-state map.
What the law allows
- Portable solar devices of up to 1,200 W, which the governor's office compared to the power of a microwave oven.
- Installation and use without an installation permit or utility approval, and exemption from the utility's interconnection and metering requirements, including related fees and equipment mandates.
- No municipal bans and no municipal permits for qualifying devices.
Why UL 3700 matters in New Jersey
New Jersey is stricter on safety than Utah or Maryland. Devices must meet the National Electrical Code and the State Uniform Construction Code, and be listed or certified under the UL 3700 outline of investigation for interactive plug-in PV equipment. UL 3700 tests that the plug goes dead when unplugged, that the system stops during outages and that it won't overload the circuit. Only a handful of products had UL 3700 certification in autumn 2026 (Hoymiles HiFlow Pro, APsystems' EZ1 plug-in microinverter and Mango Power's kit, by their makers' accounts), but more are expected before March 2027. See the kit buying guide.
Very small devices of 400 W or less are exempt from the UL listing and code requirements, which keeps simple single-panel kits legal.
Renters, condos and HOAs
New Jersey's law is one of the few that protects people who don't control their building. Landlords, homeowner associations and "similar entities" may not prohibit portable solar devices. They may impose reasonable restrictions on size, placement or manner of placement, mainly for exterior installations. In practice, expect rules such as: panels must stay within your balcony railing, be fixed with approved clamps, and not block fire escapes. Read balcony solar and HOA rules for how to work with your board.
Savings in New Jersey
Higher electricity prices make plug-in solar more attractive in New Jersey than in most states. At about 25.2¢/kWh (EIA, July 2026):
| Setup | Produced per year | Saved per year |
|---|---|---|
| 400 W, vertical on a south railing | ~330 kWh | ~$80 |
| 800 W, vertical on a south railing | ~655 kWh | ~$130 |
| 800 W, tilted south, no shade | ~1,040 kWh | ~$210 |
| 1,200 W, tilted south, no shade | ~1,560 kWh | ~$255 |
An 800 W kit costing $800 to $1,000 could pay for itself in roughly 4 to 7 years in a good spot. Run your own numbers in the calculator preset for New Jersey.
What to do now
- Wait for March 1, 2027 before connecting. Until then, PSE&G's, JCP&L's and other utilities' normal interconnection rules apply.
- Buy UL 3700-listed equipment if your kit is above 400 W, and keep the certificate.
- Ask your landlord or HOA what placement rules they plan to adopt.
- Watch for BPU guidance on any notification process. We will add it to this page.
Frequently asked questions
Is balcony solar legal in New Jersey?
It will be from March 1, 2027. Governor Sherrill signed the Garden State Balcony Solar Act (S2368/A4836) on September 1, 2026. It allows portable solar devices of up to 1,200 W without a utility interconnection agreement or approval, and without a municipal permit.
What certification does New Jersey require?
Devices must comply with the National Electrical Code and the State Uniform Construction Code and be listed or certified under the UL 3700 outline of investigation for plug-in PV equipment. Devices of 400 W or less are exempt from the listing and code requirements.
Can my HOA or landlord ban balcony solar in New Jersey?
Not outright. The law stops landlords, homeowner associations and similar bodies from prohibiting portable solar devices, but they can impose reasonable restrictions on the size, placement or manner of placement, especially for exterior installations.
Do I need a permit for plug-in solar in New Jersey?
No. The law bars municipalities from prohibiting the devices or requiring permits to use them, as long as the device qualifies.
Update log
- Page published after the September 1, 2026 signing.
Sources and official texts