Plug-In Solar in New Jersey — Legislation Pending
Bill: S 2368 / S 688 — Plug-In Solar Device Consumer Access Act
Sponsor: Sen. Bob Smith (S 2368)
Legislative Status: S 2368 passed full Senate 38-0 on March 23, 2026. Now in Assembly for a vote. Strong bipartisan support.
Current Status: Passed Senate 38-0 · In Assembly (March 2026)
Last Updated: March 2026
Key Information
| Average Electricity Rate | 18.4¢/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Savings | $225/year |
| TOU Rate Spread | 8¢/kWh |
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.4 |
| Retail Choice | full |
Key Provisions
Would exempt certified plug-in solar devices from BPU interconnection requirements. Prohibits utilities from charging extra fees.
Law Provisions
| Effective Date | Not specified in bill text |
| Wattage Limit | 1,200 watts |
| UL 3700 | not_mentioned — UL or equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory certification required (UL 3700 not named specifically) |
| HOA Provision | Not addressed in the bill text. |
| Renter Provision | Not explicitly addressed; applies to any "customer" using a portable solar generation device. |
| Utility Approval | Waived (utilities cannot require prior approval, charge fees, or require additional equipment or notification) |
| Permit Required | Not addressed |
| Backfeed/Net Metering | Not explicitly addressed. Device is exempt from interconnection requirements. |
| Key Differences | Passed the NJ Senate 38-0 with unanimous support. S2368 is the carryover of S4982 from the 221st Legislature. Uniquely prohibits utilities from requiring even notification — most other states allow a simple registration form. |
| Notable Omissions | Does not address HOA restrictions or renter rights. Does not address net metering or compensation for excess generation. Does not specify building permit requirements. |
What You Can Do
If passed: self-install without PSE&G or JCP&L approval.
What You Can't Do (Yet)
Law not yet enacted. New Jersey utilities currently require interconnection agreements.
Available Rebates & Incentives
New Jersey SuSI SREC-II Program provides fixed incentive payments per MWh of solar generation over 15 years. NJ sales tax exemption (6.625%) on solar systems. NJ property tax exemption for solar system added value. The federal 30% ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.
Incentive Program Links
- New Jersey SuSI / SREC-II Program — NJ Clean Energy — Fixed incentive payments per MWh of solar generation over a 15-year qualification life.
- New Jersey Net Metering — NJ Clean Energy — Earn bill credits for excess solar generation sent to the grid.
- DSIRE — New Jersey Solar Incentives — Full list of New Jersey state and utility solar incentive programs.
Demographics (US Census 2023)
| Population | 9,288,994 |
| Total Households | 3,543,944 |
| Owner-Occupied | 2,257,535 |
| Renter-Occupied | 1,280,922 |
| Single-Family Homes | 1,987,484 |
| Apartment Units (5+) | 847,911 |
| Median Household Income | $104,294 |
| Median Home Value | $454,400 |
Solar Resource Data (NREL PVWatts)
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.76 |
| Optimal Tilt Angle | 40° |
| Optimal Azimuth | Due South (180°) |
| Est. Annual kWh (800W system) | 1094 kWh |
| Best Solar Months | March-August |
Major Utilities
| Utility | Customers | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| Jersey Central Power & Light | ~1.1 million customers | Yes |
| PSE&G | ~2.4 million electric customers | Yes |
| Atlantic City Electric | ~560,000 customers | Yes |
News Coverage
- Balcony solar bills in New Hampshire, Vermont, New Jersey, and Illinois look on track to pass — Canary Media (February 2026)
- 28 states and DC could legalize 'balcony solar' — Planetizen (February 2026)