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New to plug-in solar?

Plug-in solar lets anyone generate free electricity — no roof, no permit, no contractor. A single panel on your balcony can meaningfully cut your bill, especially as rates keep rising.

What is plug-in solar? →How it saves you money →
Pending legislationUpdated August 2, 2026

Coming Soon — New Jersey is considering plug-in solar legislation

The Garden State Plug-In Solar Act would let residents install and use portable solar devices up to 1,200W without a permit or utility approval. Passed unanimously in both chambers (Senate 40-0, Assembly 79-0) on June 30, 2026.

Get notified when New Jersey goes legal

We track every vote. One email when this bill passes — no spam.

🔋

Solar you can use in New Jersey today, while you wait

Plug-in solar that ties into your home's wiring isn't legal here yet — but a portable solar generator (a panel charging a battery you plug devices into directly) never touches your home's wiring, so it's legal everywhere, including New Jersey, right now.

See solar backup options →

What You Can Use in New Jersey While You Wait

Plug-in solar that ties into your home's wiring isn't legal here yet — but a portable solar generator (a panel charging a battery you plug devices into directly) never touches your home's wiring, so it's legal in New Jersey right now, no law required.

Budget start

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus (288Wh Battery)

0.288 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel · recharges in ~4.4h

Powers: Phone, router, and lights through the outage, plus ~6 hours of CPAP a night

$299 + $199 panel
Check price ↗View panel ↗
Most popular

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 (1kWh Battery)

1.07 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel · recharges in ~16h

Powers: A fridge, router, and lights running through a full day outage

$449 + $199 panel
Check price ↗View panel ↗
Whole-apartment backup

Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 (2.04kWh Battery)

2.042 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel · recharges in ~31h

Powers: A full-size fridge and CPAP for days, or a window AC unit for a few hours

$749 + $199 panel
Check price ↗View panel ↗

See the full solar backup guide

Runtime charts for real devices, more kit options, and setup steps.

→

Bill Status

Bill number
S 2368 / A 4836
Expected vote
Passed both chambers unanimously — awaiting Governor Sherrill's signature
Proposed watt cap
1200W AC
As written in current bill text — subject to amendment
Primary utility
PSE&G

Pending bill information may change as legislation advances. Bill text, watt caps, and effective dates are subject to amendment or failure. This is not legal advice.

What to Expect If This Passes

🔌

Up to 1200W, no permit

The bill as drafted would allow systems up to 1200W AC connected to a standard household outlet — no permit, no utility approval required.

⚡

No net metering

The bill does not include net metering for plug-in systems. Excess generation would not be credited. Self-consumption maximization is key.

🏠

Renters included

The bill does not restrict installation to homeowners. Renters would still need landlord consent, but no permanent installation is required.

Electricity Cost Trend

↑ 6.0%/yr avg — Moderate
Rates up 34% over the past 5 years
From $0.135/kWh in 2021 → $0.180/kWh today. Every year you delay solar, your bills compound.
6.0%
avg. annual increase
Historical avg. residential rate ($/kWh)
$0.135
2021
$0.143
2022
$0.151
2023
$0.160
2024
$0.170
2025
$0.180
2026
20-year projected rate
$0.577/kWh
at 6.0%/yr escalation
Extra you'll pay over 20 yrs*
$3,021
vs. today's rates (1,000 kWh/mo household)
Best time to go solar
Now
Each year of delay = a year of higher grid bills

Estimated Savings Preview

Based on New Jersey's $0.180/kWh avg. rate and 4.7 sun hours/day. Use this to plan — not to make a purchase yet.

Default: 4.7h/day (New Jersey avg)
$1,200
$900$2,200
800W
400W1200W
60%
30%100%
$0.180/kWh
$0.080/kWh$0.400/kWh
Rate Escalation Scenario
Year 1 Generation
700 kWh
58 kWh/mo
Year 1 Savings
$126
$10/mo
Payback Period
8 yrs
by year 8
25-Year Savings
$6,418
net $5,218
ℹPanels typically last 25–30 years with a 25-year output warranty. Microinverters carry a 10–25 year warranty depending on brand. Battery modules degrade faster — expect 10–15 years before capacity drops below 80%. The 25-year savings figure above assumes the panel and inverter run for the full window; budget ~$200–$400 for an inverter swap around year 15 if needed.
Cumulative Savings vs. Break-even ($)
Selected scenario2% escalation8% escalationBreak-even
Calculator AssumptionsSavings estimates are projections based on average sun hours, self-consumption assumptions, and rate escalation scenarios. Actual results vary by roof orientation, shading, usage patterns, and local rate schedules. The federal ITC for residential solar expired December 31, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a New Jersey HOA prohibit plug-in or balcony solar devices?
The Solar Rights Act (N.J.S.A. 45:22A-48.2) bars HOAs from banning solar on detached single-family homes, but its protections are not clearly written to cover small plug-in/balcony devices used in condos or apartments, leaving a gap for that use case.
Is there a balcony solar bill in New Jersey right now?
Yes — and it's close to becoming law. The Garden State Plug-In Solar Act (S2368/A4836) passed both chambers unanimously (Senate 40-0, Assembly 79-0) on June 30, 2026 and now awaits Governor Sherrill's signature, which would make New Jersey the 10th state to enact a plug-in solar law.
Do PSE&G and JCP&L offer net metering for small solar systems?
Yes, both offer 1:1 net metering credit at full retail rate. Small systems up to 10kW qualify for the simplified Level 1 interconnection process, which for JCP&L has no application fee.
Would a small plug-in solar device need formal utility interconnection in New Jersey?
Under current rules, yes — any grid-connected generation device technically falls under the Level 1-3 interconnection framework. S2368/A4836, which passed both chambers unanimously in June 2026 and awaits the Governor's signature, would create a specific exemption for devices up to 1,200W once signed.

Stay in the Loop

We monitor the New Jersey legislature and will email you the moment S 2368 / A 4836 is signed into law or fails. No spam — one email per bill outcome.

Legal DisclaimerLaws change. Information on this site reflects our best understanding of current statutes as of the date shown. It is not legal advice. Verify requirements with your state utility commission, local building department, and a qualified attorney before installation.