A newly enacted New Jersey law lets residents use plug-in solar panels on balconies, terraces, and in yards, expanding access beyond the larger, more expensive rooftop systems that have typically dominated the domestic renewable energy market.
That change may matter most for renters, who can now benefit from smaller panels that aren't permanently fixed, although landlords can still enforce "reasonable restrictions" on size and placement.
Here's what to know
According to Gothamist, on Sept. 1, Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed the Garden State Balcony Solar Act, which lets homeowners use plug-in solar panels that connect to a standard 120-volt outlet.
Before the law was enacted, New Jersey property owners mostly had to rely on rooftop systems, which required a full grid connection and a much longer approval process. The new measure includes renters, who can install their own panels as well.
Landlords still have the authority to impose "reasonable restrictions" on panel size and placement, but the change could make solar more accessible for people who don't control a roof or cannot afford a full installation.
Doug O'Malley, a director at the advocacy group Environment New Jersey, believes that the policy change could benefit households immediately.
"Plug-in solar is going to open up a whole new world for hundreds of thousands of New Jersey residents to literally be able to plug in clean energy in their homes that will not only reduce air pollution, but also save real money on people's electric bills each and every month," he said.
Going solar is one of the best ways to save on home energy. If you're considering a home system, EnergySage provides free solar installation estimates and comparable quotes.
Save $10,000 on solar panels without even sharing your phone number Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers that can help you save as much as $10k on installation. To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best local options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner. |
More background
While the savings from plug-in systems are smaller than what full rooftop setups can provide, they can still take a noticeable bite out of a monthly power bill.
Bright Saver, a plug-in solar advocacy group, said panels can offset 10% to 25% of a home's power use depending on capacity, while O'Malley said savings start at about $15 per month.
The systems come in a wide range of sizes. Bright Saver said a typical 220-watt panel is about 3 feet wide, half an inch thick, and weighs roughly 25 pounds, while a larger 1,200-watt unit can generate enough electricity to run a window air conditioner.
The technology is already widely used in places like Berlin, where residents mount panels on balconies, rooftops, or near windows and doors.
More From EnergySage
💡Go deep on the latest news and trends shaping the residential solar landscape
In New Jersey, many lighter units can be secured outside with zip ties, and the electricity they generate goes directly to the home rather than to the grid, as with standard rooftop solar.
What's being done?
The new law aims to address cost and access. Environment New Jersey noted that balcony solar units cost roughly $400 to $2,000 — depending on capacity and whether they include battery storage — compared with rooftop systems that cost more than $20,000 and can take several months to install.
New Jersey is the ninth state to ease rules for smaller residential solar panels. New York's state Legislature passed a similar bill in 2026, and Con Edison backed that proposal.
Adding battery storage to a solar setup is one of the best ways to protect your home during outages, save money on energy, and go off-grid. EnergySage can help you navigate home battery storage options easily and provides competitive installation estimates.
For homeowners who want rooftop solar, comparing offers can make a major difference: using EnergySage, the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations.
EnergySage's solar map shows the average cost of a home solar panel system by state, along with details on all local incentives. Together, those resources ensure homeowners get the best price on rooftop solar panels.
"For everyone who can't put regular solar panels on their roof, plug-in solar is the DIY solution," O'Malley observed. "It literally gives power to the people to plug in the clean energy right in their homes."
"It takes minutes, and it provides real savings on utility bills and reduces air pollution on the hottest summer days."
Where can I learn more?
New Jersey's move is part of a push to make plug-in solar more accessible to renters and other households without rooftop options.
• In New Jersey, plug-in solar for all is giving renters an easier path to lower bills.
• New Hampshire signed plug-in solar into law, blocking utility fees and approval demands.
• In New York, residents could soon hang plug-in solar panels from windows and balconies.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
