Is balcony (plug-in) solar legal in New Jersey?

State law: signed, and takes effect on Mar 1, 2027. Until then, your utility's normal rules apply.

In force from

Mar 1, 2027

Size cap

1,200 W (maximum power output; combined per service address or dwelling unit; ≤400 W exempt from wiring-alteration rules)

Law

Garden State Balcony Solar Act, S2368/A4836 (P.L.2026, c.82)

Progress

Signed on Sep 1, 2026.

Certification

UL 3700 or comparable standard(s) by an NRTL; outage protection

Landlord

From Mar 1, 2027: A landlord can't prohibit a tenant who pays the electric bill for the leased premises from using or placing a device there, including a leased balcony or patio, but may set reasonable restrictions on size and placement and may restrict placement elsewhere on the landlord's premises (§ 3(b)). The tenant gives at least 14 days' written notice with documentation that the device qualifies and its proposed location (§ 3(c)), is responsible for damage (§ 3(d)), and may be required to indemnify the landlord for claims from negligent installation, maintenance or use (§ 3(f)). Renting? Landlord and HOA rules by state →

HOA

From Mar 1, 2027: An HOA, condo association or co-op can't enforce a rule that prohibits a unit owner or tenant from using or placing a device on the exterior of their premises, but may set reasonable size and placement restrictions (§ 3(e)). A tenant's 14 days' written notice also goes to the association (§ 3(c)), which may require indemnity (§ 3(f)). Municipalities can't prohibit use or require a permit, fee or other approval (§ 4).

Tell your utility?

No approval, fee or extra equipment.

Export credit

None — exempt from net metering.