Let Solar Farms Do Double Duty in Community Solar Programs
Official: S3939 — Permits dual-use solar facilities to participate in community solar program.
Reading: The bill expands the community solar program by permitting dual-use solar facilities (which combine solar generation with other land uses) to participate, thereby broadening clean energy deployment pathways.
This change would make it easier to build more solar projects that don't require dedicated land.
In clear language
This bill allows solar facilities that serve dual purposes (like solar panels on farmland or parking lots that still let the land be used for farming or parking) to participate in New Jersey's community solar program. Community solar lets people who can't install rooftop solar panels benefit from shared solar energy projects. This change would make it easier to build more solar projects that don't require dedicated land.
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?
- Homeowners and renters who cannot install rooftop solar panels but want access to solar energy benefits
- Farmers and agricultural landowners who could install solar panels while continuing to farm
- Businesses with parking lots that could install solar canopies while maintaining parking
- Solar energy companies looking to develop community solar projects
What can you do?
- Contact your state senator to express support or concerns about the bill
- Ask your community solar provider if they plan to offer dual-use solar options
- Learn more about enrolling in existing community solar programs in your area
Timeline
- 2026-03-12: Bill introduced in New Jersey Senate
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.