Allow Bigger Community Solar Projects in New Jersey
Official: A3964 — Removes project capacity limit for community solar energy projects.
Reading: Removing project capacity limits for community solar enables expanded deployment of community solar energy projects, which advances existing New Jersey clean energy policy.
This change aims to make it easier and more practical to develop community solar programs across the state.
In clear language
This bill removes the size limit on community solar projects in New Jersey, allowing them to be larger than currently permitted. Community solar lets groups of people share the benefits of one solar installation instead of each having their own. This change aims to make it easier and more practical to develop community solar programs across the state.
How does this affect you?
Pick the type of resident or organization you most identify with — we'll generate a plain-language breakdown of what changes for you and what you can do about it.
Who does this affect?
- Residents who want to benefit from solar energy but can't install panels on their own property
- Community groups and organizations looking to develop solar projects
- Solar companies and developers building community solar installations
- Utility companies managing solar energy distribution
What can you do?
- Ask your local government or community organizations if there are community solar projects you can join to lower your energy bills
- Contact your state representative to express support for expanding renewable energy options in your area
Timeline
- 2026-01-13: Bill introduced to Assembly
In the press
Coverage in NJ Spotlight News reports that Murphy signed a law to expand the community solar program, which aligns with the legislative action to remove project capacity limits.
Coverage retrieved automatically from major and NJ outlets. Links go to the original reporting; the summary above draws only on these headlines.
One person has acted on this policy
Verified promises, sponsorships, votes, or other actions where the politician's record references this policy. Each entry links to that person's accountability page.
- Robert KarabinchakDNew Jersey
- Bill sponsoredIn progressPrime sponsor of A3964: Removes project capacity limit for community solar energy projects.
Related policies
- NJ LegislatureSep 1, 2026Garden State Balcony Solar Act
New Jersey is making it easier for residents to install small, portable solar panels on balconies and patios by removing certain safety and zoning barriers. The law requires landlords, homeowner associations, and other property managers to allow tenants and homeowners to use these devices. This opens up solar power to people who rent or live in apartments and can't modify their roofs.
- NJ LegislatureJun 30, 2026Changes to New Jersey's renewable energy programs and solar project approvals
This bill modifies how New Jersey incentivizes renewable energy and requires electric utilities to process solar project applications more efficiently. It updates existing renewable energy programs and streamlines the process for certain solar projects to connect to the electrical grid. The bill passed the New Jersey Senate with strong support.
- NJ LegislatureJun 30, 2026Allow solar panels that grow food or crops to join community solar programs
This law allows dual-use solar projects—solar panels installed on farmland or other areas where food and crops are also grown—to participate in New Jersey's community solar program. Community solar lets groups of people share the benefits of a single solar installation, lowering their electricity costs. This change opens community solar to more types of solar projects, expanding clean energy options across the state.
- NJ LegislatureJun 30, 2026Changes to New Jersey's solar and renewable energy incentive programs and utility rules
This bill modifies New Jersey's renewable energy incentive programs and requires electric utilities to process solar interconnection applications more fairly for certain projects. The bill was replaced by another version (S3183) in June 2026, so this version is no longer active.