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In September 2026, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill signed the Garden State Balcony Solar Act to lift restrictions on consumer plug-in solar panels. The new law is set to go into effect in March 2027, and it will allow New Jersey residents to use plug-in panels with a maximum power output of 1,200 watts. Previously, the only way to utilize solar power at home in New Jersey was to set up an expensive rooftop array — something that wasn't viable for everyone.

Now solar energy savings will be available to a wider population, not just homeowners with access to solar roofs. In particular, this policy change in New Jersey means that renters can finally try home solar power without modifying their homes .…