Allow dual-use solar farms to serve community solar customers
Official: A2524 — Permits dual-use solar facilities to participate in community solar program.
Reading: Permits dual-use solar facilities to participate in the community solar program, expanding the scope of eligible technologies and participants in New Jersey's existing community solar policy.
This change expands access to community solar by allowing more types of solar installations to participate.
In clear language
This bill would let solar facilities that serve multiple purposes—such as farms that generate electricity while also growing crops underneath—participate in New Jersey's community solar program. Community solar allows people who can't install rooftop panels to buy clean energy from shared solar projects. This change expands access to community solar by allowing more types of solar installations to participate.
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 clean energy but cannot install rooftop solar panels
- Owners of agricultural land or multi-use properties considering solar development
- Community solar program administrators and utilities in New Jersey
- Low-to-moderate income households seeking affordable renewable energy options
What can you do?
- If you rent or lack roof space, watch for community solar projects near you once this rule takes effect, and sign up to buy clean energy
- If you own farmland or multi-use property, explore whether dual-use solar could work for your land and generate income
Timeline
- 2026-01-13: Bill introduced and referred to Assembly committee
No New Jersey official has a verified action on this policy yet.
Related policies
- 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.
- NJ LegislatureMar 23, 2026Making it Easier to Install Solar Panels and Get Renewable Energy Rewards in New Jersey
This New Jersey bill would make changes to the state's renewable energy reward programs and require electric companies to process applications for certain solar projects faster. The goal is to make it easier for people and businesses to install solar panels and participate in renewable energy programs.
- NJ LegislatureMar 16, 2026New Jersey Solar and Renewable Energy Incentive Updates
This bill updates New Jersey's programs that encourage people and businesses to use renewable energy, particularly solar power. It requires electric companies to connect solar projects to the power grid more efficiently. The bill was reviewed by a legislative committee and sent for further consideration in March 2026.