Allowing Solar Farms That Serve Multiple Purposes to Join Community Solar Programs
Official: S3939 — Permits dual-use solar energy projects 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 makes it easier for more types of solar projects to serve more communities.
In clear language
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.
How does this affect you?
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Who does this affect?
- Farmers and landowners who want to install solar panels on their property while continuing to use the land for agriculture or grazing
- Residents in New Jersey who participate in or want to join community solar programs to reduce their electricity costs
- Solar developers and companies looking to build solar projects that have multiple uses
- Utilities and energy companies that manage community solar programs
What can you do?
- If you are a farmer or landowner, contact local solar developers to explore dual-use solar options that could generate income while preserving your land
- If you pay an electricity bill, ask your utility whether dual-use solar projects are now available in your community solar program
- Support local solar projects that combine energy production with agricultural use or other community benefits
Timeline
- 2026-06-30: Bill passed both the New Jersey Senate and Assembly
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.
- Andrew ZwickerDNew Jersey
- Bill sponsoredIn progressPrime sponsor of S3939: 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, 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.
- NJ LegislatureSep 1, 2026Garden State Balcony Solar Act
New Jersey is making it easier for residents to install small, portable solar panels on balconies and patios by removing certain safety and zoning barriers. The law requires landlords, homeowner associations, and other property managers to allow tenants and homeowners to use these devices. This opens up solar power to people who rent or live in apartments and can't modify their roofs.