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A 4836

"Garden State Balcony Solar Act"; exempts portable solar generation devices from certain requirements, and requires certain entities to allow use and installation of portable solar generation devices.*

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Rosy Bagolie and 4 co-sponsors

Exempts portable solar devices from certain interconnection and net metering rules while mandating updates to the State Uniform Construction Code for installation and safety.

Reported out of Assembly Comm. with Amendments, 2nd Reading
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 4836

Bill Summary: New Jersey Assembly Bill A-4836 (Session 222)

Overview

  • Jurisdiction: New Jersey
  • Bill Number: A-4836
  • Session: 222
  • Status: Introduced and referred to the Assembly Housing Committee (as of 2026-05-04)
  • Sponsors: Co-sponsors include Clinton Calabrese, Robert Karabinchak, and Ellen Park

Purpose and Intent

A-4836 seeks to facilitate the use of portable solar generation devices by exempting them from certain utility interconnection and net metering requirements. The bill also directs theDepartment of Administrative Services (DCA) to amend or supplement the State Uniform Construction Code (SUCC) to address the use, installation, and safety considerations for portable solar devices.

The underlying intent appears to be:
- Lower barriers to adopting portable solar generation technology.
- Provide clarity for installers, property owners, and authorities on how portable solar devices can be used within existing building and safety frameworks.
- Harmonize construction code requirements with the deployment of portable solar devices.

Key Provisions (as described in the bill text and title)

  1. Exemption from Interconnection and Net Metering Requirements:

    • Portable solar generation devices would be exempt from certain interconnection, net metering, and related requirements that typically apply to fixed solar installations connected to the electric grid.
    • The exact scope of exemptions (e.g., which thresholds or device specifications) would be defined in the bill and any implementing regulations.

  2. DCA-Directed Code Updates:

    • The DCA is charged with amending or supplementing the State Uniform Construction Code to address portable solar devices.
    • Changes would likely cover:
      • Installation standards and safety considerations.
      • Permitting processes or exemptions related to portable devices.
      • Inspection and conformity requirements to ensure compliance with building codes.

  3. Scope and Definitions:

    • The bill would include definitions for what constitutes a “portable solar generation device” and clarify the contexts in which exemptions apply (e.g., temporary or portable use vs. permanent installation).

Who Would be Affected

  • Homeowners, renters, and businesses seeking to deploy portable solar generation devices on properties in New Jersey.
  • Solar installers and contractors who would operate under adjusted interconnection, permitting, and construction code requirements.
  • Local building and code officials responsible for permitting, inspection, and compliance.
  • Utility providers that handle interconnection processes; exemptions could reduce some administrative interactions for portable devices.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introductory Step: Bill introduced and assigned to the Assembly Housing Committee (2026-05-04).
  • Next Steps: The committee may hold hearings, amend the bill, and vote to move it to the full Assembly for consideration. If passed, it would proceed to the Senate and then to the Governor for potential signature or veto. Timelines depend on committee action and legislative calendars.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Accessibility: May lower upfront barriers to portable solar adoption and increase consumer flexibility.
  • Safety and Compliance: Revisions to the SUCC aim to maintain safety standards while accommodating portable devices, potentially requiring clear guidelines for use near structures, fire safety, and electrical protection.
  • Grid Interconnection: Exemptions from interconnection and net metering processes could streamline deployment but may necessitate ongoing coordination with utilities to ensure grid reliability.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to focus on specific stakeholders (e.g., homeowners vs. installers) or compare it to related NJ laws on solar interconnection and the SUCC.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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