Excludes biomass, solar, and wind energy systems located on rooftops or exception areas from certain size restrictions applicable to preserved farmland.*

This bill allows owners of preserved farmland in New Jersey to install biomass, solar, and wind energy systems on rooftops, unpreserved farmland, or designated exception areas without being subject to certain size restrictions that normally apply to preserved farmland. The legislation permits these energy facilities as long as they do not significantly interfere with agricultural production, are owned by the landowner, and are used to power the farm or reduce its energy costs through net metering. Landowners must still obtain approval from a committee before construction, and the committee must consider input from development easement holders before making a decision. The bill also requires that energy generated from these facilities be sold only through net metering or similar agreements, and it mandates that projects in the Pinelands area comply with existing Pinelands Protection Act standards.