What the law says
The Legislature lists S 2368 as approved on September 1, 2026, as P.L.2026, c.82, the Garden State Balcony Solar Act. It takes effect six months later, on March 1, 2027.
A device has a maximum power output of not more than 1,200 W and plugs into a standard 120-volt AC outlet. All devices at one service address, or one dwelling unit in multi-family housing, may total 1,200 W unless an interconnection agreement is signed; the law does not say whether the limit is AC or DC output. The device must be listed or certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to UL 3700, a comparable standard or a combination of standards, and must not export power during an outage.
Utilities may not require prior approval, a fee or charge related to the device, or extra equipment, and the device is exempt from interconnection agreements and net metering program requirements. The law does not say whether exported power is paid. A municipality may not prohibit the device or require a permit.
- Renters: a landlord may not prohibit a tenant who pays for their own electricity from using a device within the leased premises, including a balcony or patio, but may set reasonable rules on size and placement.
- HOAs: an association may not enforce a ban but may set reasonable restrictions.
- Notice: the tenant gives written notice at least 14 days before use.
Before you buy in New Jersey
Check the product label and seller listing for inverter output and safety certifications. The law requires a listing to UL 3700, a comparable standard or a combination of standards by a nationally recognized testing laboratory; vendor pages differ, and a UL 3700 listing may be unpublished.
If you rent or live under an HOA, check any contractual terms — a landlord or association may still set reasonable rules on size and placement. Give written notice at least 14 days before use; municipalities may not require permits.
Use the calculator numbers for local production and savings. The calculator gives an 800 W kit (vertical, south) as 732 kWh per year, with 425 kWh (58%) used at home and 308 kWh exported; at 23.98 cents per kWh the home-used power is worth $102 per year (exports paid 0). A tilted 800 W kit yields 1,075 kWh and $122 saved; a 1,200 W kit produces 1,099 kWh and saves $113 per year.
- Verify that the kit, and all devices at your address together, stay at or below 1,200 W.
- Look for listed safety certifications (for example UL 1741); note whether UL 3700 listing is published.
- Send your landlord or association written notice at least 14 days before use, and check any reasonable restrictions they set.
- Use the calculator to compare production for your address and the kits page to compare models.
