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
New Jersey Governor Murphy signed a law to expand the community solar program in the state, making it easier for residents to access shared solar energy benefits.
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 LegislatureOct 22, 2026Expanding where solar energy projects can be built under New Jersey's community solar program
This bill removes or loosens rules that limit where solar energy projects can be located if they want to participate in New Jersey's community solar program. Community solar lets groups of people share the benefits of one large solar installation. By changing these geographic restrictions, more solar projects may qualify, making it easier to build solar energy across the state.
- NJ LegislatureOct 15, 2026Removes limits on where community solar projects can be built
This bill changes the rules about where solar energy projects can be located in New Jersey's community solar program. Currently, there are geographic restrictions that limit where these projects can be built. The bill removes or reduces those restrictions so more communities can participate in solar energy programs.
- NJ LegislatureSep 9, 2026Allowing Solar Farms That Serve Multiple Purposes to Join Community Solar Programs
This law expands New Jersey's community solar program to include 'dual-use' solar projects—solar installations that serve two purposes at once, like generating electricity while also protecting farmland or providing shade for crops. Previously, only single-purpose solar farms could participate in community solar, which lets residents share the benefits of solar energy. This change makes it easier for more types of solar projects to serve more communities.
- NJ LegislatureSep 9, 2026Changes to New Jersey's Solar and Renewable Energy Incentive Programs
This law modifies how New Jersey's renewable energy incentive programs work and requires electric utilities to process applications for certain solar projects more fairly. The changes aim to streamline how people and businesses can get solar systems connected to the power grid. This law took effect in September 2026.