Allow dual-use solar panels to join community solar programs
Official: A2524 — Permits dual-use solar energy projects 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.
The bill was substituted by another bill (S3939) in June 2026.
In clear language
This bill would let solar projects that serve two purposes—like panels on farmland that also allow farming underneath, or on parking lots that provide both shade and electricity—participate in New Jersey's community solar program. Community solar lets people who can't install rooftop panels buy a share of a larger solar array and get a credit on their electricity bill. The bill was substituted by another bill (S3939) in June 2026.
How does this affect you?
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Who does this affect?
- Homeowners and renters who want to benefit from solar energy but lack suitable roof space or own a home
- Farmers and landowners considering solar installations that don't completely take land out of agricultural or other productive use
- Community solar program developers and utility companies managing shared solar projects
- Low- and moderate-income households that rely on community solar to access renewable energy benefits
What can you do?
- Check with your local utility or community solar provider to ask if dual-use projects are available in your area once this policy is finalized
- If you own agricultural land or a parking lot, explore whether a dual-use solar project could generate income while maintaining other uses of the land
- Contact your state representative to support policies that expand access to community solar, especially for people who cannot install rooftop panels
Timeline
- 2026-01-13: Bill introduced
- 2026-06-04: Approved by committee with changes
- 2026-06-30: Replaced by substitute bill S3939
3 people have 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.
- Bill SpearmanDNew Jersey
- Bill sponsoredIn progressPrime sponsor of A2524: Permits dual-use solar energy projects to participate in community solar program.
- Clinton CalabreseDNew Jersey
- Bill sponsoredIn progressPrime sponsor of A2524: Permits dual-use solar energy projects to participate in community solar program.
- Heather SimmonsDNew Jersey
- Bill sponsoredIn progressPrime sponsor of A2524: Permits dual-use solar energy projects to participate in community solar program.
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.