Energy (Solar) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 691: Increases solar development goals of SREC-II program and extends certain target dates of program to 2035.

This bill amends New Jersey's SREC-II solar incentive program to increase the annual solar development goal to 750 megawatts per year and extend target dates to 2035 (previously ending in 2026). It establishes a system where solar project owners earn renewable energy certificates (SREC-IIs) for each megawatt-hour of electricity generated, which utilities can use to meet state renewable energy requirements. Specific targets include 3,000 megawatts of community solar capacity by 2029 and 50 megawatts for small-scale remote net metering projects. These changes will affect solar developers who receive payments and ratepayers who fund the program through utility bills.

Topics ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar

passed both · New Jersey · Senate Jun 30, 2026

S 3183: Modifies various provisions of State's renewable energy incentive programs; requires electric public utilities to consider interconnection applications for certain solar projects.*

This bill modifies New Jersey's renewable energy incentive programs to support solar development on specific sites. It allows multiple solar projects to co-locate on the same or adjacent properties (without size limits) for community solar and remote net metering programs, and removes size restrictions for solar projects on landfills, brownfields, contaminated sites, or mining sites. Electric utilities must process interconnection applications for community solar or remote net metering projects on 34.5kV or lower voltage lines. Projects on designated sites must achieve commercial operation within 33 months (automatically extended for utility-caused delays), with the timeline starting from program registration.

Topics ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar Transmission

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2285: Requires certain warehouse operators to implement air pollution reduction and mitigation plans.

New Jersey's S 2285 requires large warehouse operators (those with over 50,000 sq. ft. of operations in facilities exceeding 100,000 sq. ft.) to reduce air pollution from their truck traffic and operations. Starting 36 months after the law takes effect, these operators must implement a department-approved plan earning "air pollution reduction points" through specific actions like purchasing zero-emission trucks, installing solar power, or funding air filtration systems near schools. Points are calculated based on previous truck traffic, with a phased approach where the required points decrease in the first four years. Operators can use a standard plan template or create a custom plan, with an option to pay $1,000 annually into an electric vehicle fund instead of meeting points. The Department of Environmental Protection must develop the program rules within 24 months.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Solar Air Quality Electric Vehicles

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1252: Provides that solar and photovoltaic energy facilities and structures on farmland are not inherently beneficial use, per se, for purposes of zoning approvals.

This bill (S 1252) changes zoning rules for solar energy projects on farmland in New Jersey. It removes the automatic classification of solar and photovoltaic facilities on farmland as "inherently beneficial use" for zoning approvals - meaning municipalities can no longer approve such projects under this blanket exception. Instead, solar installations on farmland must now undergo standard zoning review like other developments. This directly affects landowners, developers, and local governments when reviewing proposals for solar projects on agricultural land. The change amends existing definitions in New Jersey’s land use law (P.L.1975, c.291) to exclude farmland solar from the list of uses considered inherently beneficial.

Topics ✗ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Solar

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 607: Establishes Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing Program; authorizes BPU to transfer up to $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

This bill establishes a program to help New Jersey state agencies, local governments, and school districts finance energy efficiency upgrades in their buildings. It authorizes the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to provide loans and financial assistance for projects like solar panels, improved insulation, and efficient HVAC systems, using up to $20 million annually from societal benefits charge revenues. Projects must demonstrate that total costs will be offset by energy savings within 10 years or the equipment's useful life. The program requires applicants to complete an energy assessment showing cost-effectiveness before receiving funding.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Solar

passed · New Jersey · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SR 18: Urges states in PJM Interconnection region to require data centers to obtain electricity from new zero- or low-emission sources of energy.

SR 18 is a non-binding Senate resolution urging states within the PJM Interconnection region (including New Jersey and 12 other states plus D.C.) to require data centers to source electricity from new zero- or low-emission energy sources. It does not create new regulations but calls on state governments to adopt policies addressing data centers' growing energy demands, which currently consume about 4% of U.S. electricity and are projected to reach 9% by 2030. The resolution cites concerns about grid strain, noting data centers use 10-50x more energy than typical offices and could double demand by 2030. It emphasizes clean energy sources like solar and wind as scalable solutions to support grid reliability and climate goals.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Solar Transmission

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 737: Exempts small-scale renewable energy projects from State land-use permit requirements, under certain conditions.

This bill (S 737) exempts small-scale renewable energy projects (under 20 megawatts) from all New Jersey state land-use permit requirements, such as wetlands, coastal, and flood zone regulations. Instead, project owners must seek approval only from their local government unit (e.g., township or municipality) and their utility company, provided the project meets state construction standards. If an applicant applies directly to a state agency, they forfeit the option to use local approval only. The bill applies to owners/operators of solar, wind, geothermal, or small-scale biomass projects seeking to build or expand facilities.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar Coastal & Flood Protection Public Lands

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 16, 2026

S 1815: 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.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Solar

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SJR 68: Designates March 21 each year as "Renewable Energy Day" in NJ.

This resolution designates March 21 each year as "Renewable Energy Day" in New Jersey, requesting the Governor issue an annual proclamation to encourage public observance. It recognizes New Jersey's renewable energy progress - such as achieving 5 gigawatts of solar capacity by 2024 and aiming for 50% renewable energy by 2030 - while highlighting the state's commitment to equitable access and climate benefits. The measure is symbolic, with no new policies or funding, and aligns with the national "Renewable Energy Day" observed on March 21.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 645: Requires BPU to allow low- and moderate-income residential customers to self-attest to income for participation in community solar programs.

This bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create rules allowing low- and moderate-income residential customers to self-attest to their income for community solar program participation, instead of providing traditional income documentation. It directly affects households qualifying as low- or moderate-income who wish to join community solar programs established under 2018 law (P.L.2018, c.17). The key provision replaces current income verification requirements with a self-attestation method, to be defined by the BPU in new regulations. This change aims to simplify access to community solar benefits for qualifying residents.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Solar

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