S 1815 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Establishes solar energy grant program in BPU to provide grants to public schools for solar energy projects; appropriates $15 million.

This bill creates a $15 million solar energy grant program administered by New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to help public schools and eligible educational institutions install solar projects. It provides grants covering up to 50% of eligible project costs (including panels, installation, and permits) with no requirement for schools to contribute matching funds. Schools must report on energy savings and project use, and if a facility with a funded solar system is sold within 20 years, the new owner must reimburse the BPU a reduced percentage of the grant amount based on how long the original owner held the property. The program aims to lower schools' energy costs, boost system resiliency, and support the state's climate goals.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Mar 16, 2026

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What changed between versions

Introduced → Reprint · 5 edits

MODERATE

The Senate Environment and Energy Committee reported S 1815 with amendments that expand eligibility to include individual public schools (not just school districts), add the Department of Education as a required consultation partner in program design and rulemaking, and update an agency name from the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education. These changes broaden who can apply for solar grants and give the Department of Education a formal role in shaping the program.

ELIGIBILITY

Individual public schools were added as eligible entities alongside school districts, educational services commissions, jointure commissions, career or technical schools, and community colleges. This allows standalone public schools to apply for grants directly.

REQUIREMENT

The Department of Education was added as a required consultation partner. The Board of Public Utilities must now consult with the Department of Education when establishing the grant program (subsection b), developing guidelines and procedures (subsection f), and adopting rules and regulations (subsection h).

DEFINITION

A new definition was added: 'Department' means the Department of Education.

TECHNICAL

References to the 'New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority' were replaced with 'Office of the Secretary of Higher Education' in the definitions of eligible project costs and eligible solar energy project, reflecting an agency reorganization.

In subsection e, the cross-reference was corrected from 'this act' to 'this section,' and punctuation was adjusted (periods changed to semicolons) in the reimbursement schedule paragraphs.

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Full legislative history

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Committee

Mar 16, 2026

Committee

Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee

upper

Jan 13, 2026

Introduced

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors