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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 →

New Jersey

Considering

New Jersey has strong solar policy infrastructure: the Solar Rights Act (N.J.S.A. 45:22A-48.2) bars HOAs from banning solar on detached single-family homes, and PSE&G/JCP&L offer 1:1 net metering credit at full retail rate with a tiered (Level 1-3) interconnection process, Level 1 covering systems up to 10kW with no fee. A balcony solar bill, S2368, was introduced in January 2026 and had a committee hearing, with some sources calling it on track to pass while others note utility and union pushback stalled similar 2025 efforts -- status remains uncertain.

Get notified when New Jersey goes legal

Laws are spreading state by state. One email when New Jersey passes — no spam.

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

$299

Check price ↗

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 (1kWh Battery)

1.07 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel

$449

Check price ↗

Whole-apartment backup

Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 (2.04kWh Battery)

2.042 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel

$749

Check price ↗

See the full solar backup guide

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

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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

What a New Jersey Law Could Look Like

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Based on neighboring states

Utah (1,200W), Maine (600W), and Virginia (1,000W pending) provide the template. A New Jersey law would likely allow 600–1,200W systems to plug into standard household outlets — no permit required.

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High rates = strong economics

At New Jersey's avg. $0.180/kWh, a 600W system generating ~880 kWh/year saves roughly $158/year. Payback in as few as 5 years at current rates.

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Renters and condo owners

Plug-in solar requires no permanent installation — just an outlet. This makes it uniquely accessible to renters and condo owners who can't get rooftop solar.

FAQ

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 -- S2368 was introduced in January 2026 and received a committee hearing. Reports are mixed on its prospects: some list it as likely to pass in 2026, while others note utility and labor union opposition has stalled similar plug-in solar efforts.

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, any grid-connected generation device technically falls under the Level 1-3 interconnection framework, though enforcement for very small plug-in devices (under 1500W) is unclear absent the pending S2368 legislation creating a specific exemption.

Stay in the Loop

We monitor all 50 state legislatures. The moment New Jersey files a plug-in solar bill, you'll be the first to know.

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.