New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill has signed the Garden State Balcony Solar Act (S2368/A4836), removing unnecessary red tape that will allow New Jerseyans to purchase and use portable, plug-in solar panels to generate their own clean energy and lower their electricity costs.
“From day one, I’ve been laser-focused on driving down energy costs through an all-of-the-above approach, and that includes putting clean, affordable solar power that you can simply plug in directly into the hands of New Jerseyans,” Sherrill said. “Balcony solar is a practical, easy-to-use tool that can help families save money while allowing more people to participate in our clean energy future. This bill cuts unnecessary red tape, expands access to affordable solar power, and proves that affordability and sustainability can go hand in hand.”
Balcony solar devices plug into a standard 120-volt outlet — as most units come with a microinverter and adapter — and provide electricity directly to a home’s existing electrical system, helping offset energy use and lowering costs. These devices, as well as the microinverter/adapter, are readily available for purchase online and in local home improvement stores.
The law exempts qualifying plug-in solar devices of up to 1,200 W from utility interconnection and metering requirements, including certain fees, approvals and equipment mandates. It also prevents landlords, homeowner associations, and similar entities from broadly prohibiting the use of these devices, while barring municipalities from prohibiting them or requiring permits for their use.
This action builds on Sherrill’s aggressive energy agenda to lower costs for New Jerseyans. During her inaugural address, Sherrill signed Executive Orders 1 and 2 to freeze rate hikes and accelerate new energy generation, particularly affordable, clean energy that can be deployed quickly. Since then, the Sherrill administration has approved 18 new solar and battery storage projects, announced a historic expansion of community solar to 3 GW, signed legislation to hold data centers and utility companies accountable, as well as fast-tracking advanced grid technologies that will help cut costs. Together, these actions are estimated to save New Jersey ratepayers $1 billion annually.
“Plug-in solar gives New Jersey families another tool to lower their energy costs while expanding access to clean, homegrown energy. By making it easier for renters and homeowners alike to take advantage of solar, the Garden State Balcony Solar Act will help make our clean energy transition more affordable, accessible, and equitable,” said Jesse Sutherland, Political and Policy Director of New Jersey LCV.
“By signing this law, Gov. Sherrill and legislative leaders have taken another big step in making solar energy more affordable and accessible for New Jerseyans,” said Stephan Scherer, CEO and co-founder of CraftStrom, a balcony solar company. “As the most densely populated state in the nation, New Jersey is built for plug-in solar: it takes just an hour to install, fits on apartment and condominium balconies, and cuts utility bills immediately. New Jersey is sending a clear signal that the future of solar is portable, affordable, and consumer-led.”
It appears a lot of the comments are from solar companies who feel threatened financially from these much lowered price balcony systems.
A perfectly oriented 1,200W balcony solar array will yield maybe $350 per year in New Jersey. Professionally installed, I estimate these will cost about $2,500. With time, that price will go down and there is also the option for self-install. The benefit will be marginal for most people. The bigger problem is the risk introduced by these systems. Without a dedicated receptacle, there are real dangers. And that dedicated receptacle will cost serious money to put it where it is convenient. Homeowners will inevitably plug these into any receptacle, creating a serious fire risk. https://floridasolardesigngroup.com/is-plug-in-solar-safe-the-wiring-danger-that-marketing-will-not-tell-you-about
Absolutely stupid to maybe save $50 a month. Property values will drop by a larger amount when the balconies start looking like a mismatched train wreck. There is no way this will look nice unless they are custom sized and everyone gets them so they match. Even then I doubt it will be nice. Then what about fire risk? Panels falling in a wind storm? Guessing insurance premiums will go up for the building. I just dont see this as a good thing.