Solar Energy on Road Shoulders Pilot Program
Official: A 2403 — Establishes pilot program for solar energy generation on roadside rights-of-way.
Reading: The bill creates a new solar energy generation pilot program on publicly owned or managed roadside property, expanding renewable energy infrastructure.
The bill was introduced in January 2026 and is being reviewed by the Assembly committee on telecommunications and utilities.
In clear language
New Jersey is creating a test program to install solar panels on the land alongside highways and roads. This would generate clean electricity from areas that aren't currently used for much else. The bill is still being debated in the state legislature.
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 businesses that could benefit from cheaper solar-generated electricity
- Road maintenance departments that manage highway rights-of-way
- Solar energy companies looking to expand where they can build projects
- New Jersey residents who use electricity from the state's grid
What can you do?
- Contact your state representative to support or oppose the bill as it moves through the legislature
- Monitor for announcements about where the pilot program will be located once it's approved
- Learn more about solar energy benefits and reach out to your utility about clean energy options
Timeline
- 2026-06-04: Bill reported from Assembly Committee as a Substitute, advancing to 2nd Reading
No New Jersey official has a verified action on this policy yet.
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.