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 Governor Murphy signed a law to expand the community solar program in New Jersey.
Coverage retrieved automatically from major and NJ outlets. Links go to the original reporting; the summary above draws only on these headlines.
No New Jersey official has a verified action on this policy yet.
Related policies
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- NJ LegislatureJun 4, 2026Solar Energy on Road Shoulders Pilot Program
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- NJ LegislatureMay 7, 2026Creating Clean Energy Programs for Neighborhoods That Need Them Most
This bill creates a new Office of Clean Energy Equity within New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities to help communities that have been left behind in the clean energy transition. It directs the state to establish clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs specifically designed for overburdened communities, and makes changes to how community solar programs work. The goal is to ensure that the benefits of clean energy—like lower energy bills and cleaner air—reach the neighborhoods that need them most.
- NJ LegislatureMay 7, 2026Clean Energy Equity Program for Low-Income Communities
New Jersey is creating a new Office of Clean Energy Equity to make sure lower-income and historically disadvantaged communities get fair access to clean energy, energy efficiency upgrades, and energy storage technology. The state will establish specific programs to help these communities, and will also make changes to the community solar program so more people can benefit from solar power. This law aims to ensure that the benefits of clean energy aren't only available to wealthy neighborhoods.