S 2368 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

"Garden State Balcony Solar Act"; exempts portable solar generation devices from certain requirements, and requires certain entities to allow use and installation of portable solar generation devices.**

This bill exempts small portable solar devices (under 1,200 watts) from standard utility requirements. It directly affects homeowners using these devices, which connect via standard 120V outlets and meet electrical safety standards. Key provisions remove the need for interconnection agreements, net metering program rules, utility approval, or fees. Utilities cannot charge for these devices or require additional equipment beyond what’s built-in. The bill also shields utilities from liability for customer use of these devices.

Issues: ✓ Energy

Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Jun 2026

Senate Passage

Jun 2026

General Assembly Passage

Jun 2026

Governor

Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jun 30, 2026

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What changed between versions

Introduced → Reprint · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended after committee report to add a new requirement that the Department of Community Affairs adopt code amendments establishing standards for portable solar generation devices under the State Uniform Construction Code Act. The scope now covers both Title 48 (energy) and the construction code, and the definition of 'portable solar generation device' was moved to a companion bill. Two additional senators were added as co-sponsors.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from solely addressing interconnection and net metering exemptions under Title 48 to also requiring the Department of Community Affairs to amend state construction and electrical codes to accommodate portable solar generation devices, including those designed for use in foreign countries.

SCOPE

The act now supplements P.L.1975, c.217 (the State Uniform Construction Code Act) in addition to Title 48, expanding the bill's legal reach into building and electrical code territory.

Two additional senators (Zwicker and Greenstein) were added as co-sponsors alongside Senator Diegnan.

REQUIREMENT

A new Section 2 requires the Department of Community Affairs to adopt an addendum or amendments to the electrical subcode under the State Uniform Construction Code Act, establishing standards for using portable solar devices designed for the US and for modifying home electrical systems to accommodate devices designed for use in other countries.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'portable solar generation device' was removed from this bill and is now cross-referenced to Section 1 of a companion pending bill, indicating the definition was relocated to a separate legislative vehicle.

TIMELINE

The effective date provision was renumbered: what was formerly Section 2 (effective six months after enactment) is now Section 1, and the new code-amendment requirement in Section 2 takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Jun 30, 2026

Upper · Passed

Passed Senate (Passed Both Houses) (40-0)

upper

Jun 30, 2026

Lower · Passed

Passed by the Assembly (79-0-1)

lower

Jun 28, 2026

Committee

Recommitted to Assembly Budget Committee

lower

Jun 23, 2026

Committee

Transferred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee

lower

Jun 4, 2026

Committee

Reported and Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee

lower

Mar 23, 2026

Committee

Received in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee

lower

Mar 23, 2026

Upper · Passed

Passed by the Senate (38-0)

upper

Jan 13, 2026

Introduced

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee

upper

5 primary · 8 co-sponsors