New Jersey Legalizes Cheap Plug-in Balcony Solar Panels
Governor Mikie Sherrill has signed a law barring municipalities and landlords from blocking portable solar systems of up to 1,200W, a right German tenants and condominium owners have held since October 2024 and which has produced 1.31 million registered systems.
Background
New Jersey has legalized plug-in balcony solar panels up to 1,200W, preventing local governments from requiring approvals and landlords from blocking installation. This follows Germany’s lead, which wrote this right into its civil code in October 2024, resulting in widespread adoption with over 1.31 million registered systems at 1.34GW by April.
Key Points
- Local Government Prohibition: Local governments can no longer require licensing or approvals for portable solar systems.
- Landlord Notification: Landlords must be notified 14 days in advance and can still restrict placement and size.
- Cost Savings: The units are expected to shave up to $50 off a typical monthly bill, offering significant cost savings in light of rising electricity prices.
- Unanimous Support: The legislation passed unanimously in both chambers in June.
- Target Audience: The law benefits around 40% of New Jerseyans who rent or live in apartments, providing them with the first opportunity to lower their power bills.
Comparison with Germany
Germany’s approach includes:
- Legal Right for Tenants: German tenants and condominium owners have had the legal right to install since October 2024.
- Installation Requirements: German landlords cannot demand professional installation, and both regimes require written notice.
- Power Limits: Germany caps inverter output at 800W against New Jersey’s 2,000W, and most new systems operate at the lower ceiling.
Market Trends
The German market, already cooled with a 14% year-on-year decline in installations during Q1 2026 to 64,633 from 88,948, is being mirrored by other nations like Britain, which legalized plug-in kits on August 27th.