Balcony solar in New Jersey
Signed Sept 1, 2026, takes effect Mar 1, 2027. New Jersey’s law is S 2368, the Garden State Balcony Solar Act. An 800 W kit on a south-facing railing saves about $125 a year here and pays for itself in about 5.6 years.
Last checked October 6, 2026
What New Jersey’s law says
- Governor Mikie Sherrill signed it on September 1, 2026.
- The rules take effect six months later, on March 1, 2027.
What that means right now
Until March 1, 2027 the old utility rules apply. Use the time to check your spot and your lease.
If you rent or have an HOA
Ask your landlord or HOA before you buy. Renters guide.
What a kit saves in New Jersey
Estimates at New Jersey’s average power price (23.5¢/kWh), 250 W of always-on use at home, extra power counted as $0.
| Setup | Makes per year | Saves per year | Paid back in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 800 W, south-facing railing ($700) | 710 kWh | $125 | 5.6 yrs |
| 800 W, east or west railing ($700) | 561 kWh | $103 | 6.8 yrs |
| 800 W, south, tilted stand ($700) | 1,079 kWh | $154 | 4.6 yrs |
| 1,200 W, south-facing railing ($1,000) | 1,064 kWh | $148 | 6.8 yrs |
Month by month (800 W, south railing)
A panel hanging straight up does best when the sun is low, so winter months hold up better than you’d expect.
New Jersey’s power price is well above the national average, so a good spot pays back in a few years.
Calculate for my home in New Jersey
Before you buy
- Confirm the law applies on the date you want to plug in.
- Buy a kit certified to the standard the law requires. UL 3700 explained.
- Stay within the size limit.
- Get your landlord’s or HOA’s OK in writing.
- Check your spot: direction, shade, and a solid railing or stand.
New Jersey: common questions
Is balcony solar legal in New Jersey?
Signed Sept 1, 2026, takes effect Mar 1, 2027. The law is S 2368, the Garden State Balcony Solar Act. Until it takes effect, your utility's normal rules apply.
How much can balcony solar save in New Jersey?
About $125 a year for an 800 W kit on a south-facing railing, at New Jersey's average power price of 23.5¢ per kWh. On a tilted stand facing south, about $154.
How long does it take to pay back in New Jersey?
About 5.6 years for a $700 kit on a south-facing railing, before power prices rise. Rising prices shorten that.
How many sun hours does New Jersey get?
About 4.5 peak sun hours a day on average across the year, at a typical location in the state.
Can my landlord or HOA stop me in New Jersey?
Ask your landlord or HOA before you buy.
Sources
- Solar.com, 2026 Guide to Balcony & Plug-In Solar (state law table, updated October 1, 2026).
- Plug-In Solar Guide, What States Allow Plug-In Solar Panels?
- Electricity prices: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (March 2026 data).
- Production and savings: our calculation method.