New JerseyNew Jersey lets eligible farm solar projects join community solar
Eligible, state-approved farm solar projects can join a program that credits customers’ electricity bills, if they apply to the farm solar program after the law’s effective date.
What it does
State-approved solar projects that keep farming active on land outside permanent farmland preservation can join community solar, up to five megawatts each. They must apply to the farm solar program after the law’s effective date and follow both programs’ rules. Regulators may exclude certain project types.
Argument forAllowing approved farm solar projects into community solar could give utility customers more projects to choose for electricity bill credits.
Argument againstLimiting eligibility to projects applying after the law’s effective date could leave already approved farm solar projects without this option.
More detail
The Board of Public Utilities must allow eligible projects that combine solar power with farming to join the permanent community solar program. Projects can have no more than five megawatts of capacity. They must keep farming active on farmland that receives farmland tax treatment and is not permanently preserved. Projects must receive approval under the state’s dual-use solar pilot program or its permanent successor. The board may exclude certain project types. Projects must follow both programs’ requirements in effect when they register in each program. The law takes effect immediately. Projects qualify only if they apply to the dual-use solar pilot program or its permanent successor after the law’s effective date.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Sep 9Approved P.L.2026, c.85.Became Law
- Jun 30Passed Assembly (Passed Both Houses) (78-1-0)Passed 2nd Chamber
- Vote recorded 3RDG FINAL PASSAGE. Result: pass.Lower
- Vote recorded 3RDG FINAL PASSAGE. Result: pass.Upper
- Jun 30Substituted for A2524 (2R)
- Jun 30Received in the Assembly without Reference, 2nd ReadingMinor
- Jun 30Passed by the Senate (40-0)Passed 1st Chamber
- Jun 28Reported from Senate Committee with Amendments, 2nd ReadingMinor
- Vote recorded Reported out of Senate committee with amendments. Result: pass.Upper
- Jun 26Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations CommitteeMinor
- Jun 8Reported from Senate Committee with Amendments, 2nd ReadingMinor
- Vote recorded Reported out of Senate committee with amendments. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 12Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy CommitteeIntroduced
Environment & EnergyAgriculture