New Jersey legalizes portable solar generation devices

Governor Mikie Sherrill has signed the ‘Garden State Balcony Solar Act’ (Senate Bill 2368), making New Jersey the tenth state to legalize and regulate portable solar generation devices. The law, which officially takes effect on March 1, 2027, is designed to help residents reduce electricity costs by allowing the installation of portable photovoltaic systems.

Under the new legislation, qualifying devices with a combined output of up to 1,200 watts are exempt from many traditional bureaucratic hurdles. These include requirements for prior approval from electric public utilities, extra fees, and municipal permits. Systems up to 400 watts are specifically exempt from special building or wiring modifications, while devices up to 1,200 watts must still comply with electrical code safety standards.

The law also includes protections for tenants and residents of managed communities. Landlords, homeowners’ associations, and condo associations are prohibited from issuing blanket bans on these devices for tenants who pay their own electric bills. To ensure safety and coordination, tenants must provide 14 days of prior written notice before installation. Additionally, while these devices can power household appliances via standard outlets, they may not export power to the electric distribution system during a power outage.