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S 4869

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2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pat Fahy

Bill S 4869 boosts New Jersey's solar goals from 3,750 to 6,500 megawatts by 2035, promoting solar growth and reducing fossil fuel reliance for a cleaner environment.

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Bill Summary · S 4869

Summary of Bill S 4869

Bill Number: S 4869
Title: Increases solar development goals of SREC-II program and extends certain target dates of program to 2035
Status: Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee
Introduced: November 13, 2025
Sponsored by: Senator Bob Smith, District 17 (Middlesex and Somerset)
Classification: Bill
Subject: Energy

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 4869 aims to enhance New Jersey's solar energy initiatives by increasing the solar development goals of the Solar Renewable Energy Certificate II (SREC-II) program and extending its target dates to 2035. The bill seeks to promote the growth of solar power generation across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, thereby contributing to the state's renewable energy objectives.

Key Provisions

  1. Increased Solar Development Goals:

    • The SREC-II program's goal will be raised from 3,750 megawatts to 6,500 megawatts of new solar power generation capacity by 2035.
  2. Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC-IIs):

    • The bill establishes a process for creating and distributing SREC-IIs, which will be awarded for each megawatt-hour of energy produced by qualifying solar facilities.
    • SREC-IIs will be transferable and can be used by electric power suppliers to meet the state's renewable portfolio standards.
  3. Incentive Payments:

    • The Board of Public Utilities will set a value for SREC-IIs, measured in dollars-per-megawatt-hour, reflecting the environmental benefits of solar energy production.
  4. Eligibility and Application Process:

    • Solar facilities must receive permission to operate from the appropriate regional grid operator to qualify for SREC-IIs.
    • The bill mandates the establishment of eligibility criteria and an application process for solar facility owners.
  5. Small Solar Facilities Incentive Program:

    • The bill includes provisions for a small solar facilities incentive program targeting community solar facilities and net-metered solar facilities, aiming for the generation of at least 300 megawatts of net-metered solar facilities annually.
  6. Solicitation Process:

    • A transparent and competitive solicitation process will be developed for awarding SREC-II contracts to encourage the construction of solar electric power generation facilities.

Impact

  • Who Will Be Affected:

    • The bill will impact solar energy developers, electric power suppliers, and consumers in New Jersey by promoting increased solar energy production and providing financial incentives for solar facilities.
  • Environmental Benefits:

    • By increasing solar capacity, the bill aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and support the state's environmental goals.

Procedural Aspects

  • Timeline:

    • The bill was introduced on November 13, 2025, and has been referred to the Senate Environment and Energy Committee for further consideration.
  • Related Legislation:

    • The bill has a companion bill, A 6044, which may address similar issues in the Assembly.

In summary, Bill S 4869 represents a significant step towards enhancing New Jersey's solar energy landscape, with ambitious goals for solar development and a structured approach to incentivizing renewable energy production.

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

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