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New JerseyS3939221st Legislature (2026-2027)SenateWALLET

Permits dual-use solar energy projects to participate in community solar program.*

Sponsored By: Clinton Calabrese (Democratic), Linda R. Greenstein (Democratic), Heather Simmons (Democratic), William W. Spearman (Democratic), Andrew Zwicker (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Solar project owners can combine incentives

Approved dual-use pilot projects can combine incentives from other Board of Public Utilities solar programs. Combined incentive levels must account for extra dual-use costs and all revenue from those other programs. The permanent dual-use program must create incentives that consider project costs, revenue, and costs and benefits for ratepayers and the grid. Community solar incentives can vary by project category, including size and the property’s prior land use and land cover. The law sets no incentive amounts and guarantees no household bill savings.

Farm solar programs face capacity limits

The dual-use solar pilot sets capacity targets for application periods and caps approved projects at 200 megawatts of direct-current capacity. Up to two 12-month pilot extensions can each add up to 50 megawatts of direct-current capacity. The permanent program must set total capacity limits each year or at other regular intervals. The law does not specify those permanent limits or a direct change to household power bills.

Farm solar gains access with rules

Dual-use projects, which combine solar power with farming, can join New Jersey’s permanent community solar program at up to 5 megawatts. Projects must apply after the law’s effective date and receive approval under the dual-use pilot or its permanent successor. The Board of Public Utilities can exclude some project types. Projects must follow both programs’ rules in effect when they register in each program. Household savings depend on available projects and community solar offers.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Clinton Calabrese

    Democratic • House

  • Linda R. Greenstein

    Democratic • Senate

  • Heather Simmons

    Democratic • House

  • William W. Spearman

    Democratic • House

  • Andrew Zwicker

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Rosaura Bagolie

    Democratic • House

  • Katie Brennan

    Democratic • House

  • Patrick J. Diegnan Jr.

    Democratic • Senate

  • Robert J. Karabinchak

    Democratic • House

  • Andrea Katz

    Democratic • House

  • Vincent M. Kearney

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 236 • No: 2

House vote • 6/30/2026

3RDG FINAL PASSAGE

Yes: 78 • No: 1

Senate vote • 6/30/2026

3RDG FINAL PASSAGE

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/30/2026

3RDG FINAL PASSAGE

Yes: 118 • No: 1 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Governor: APP

    9/9/2026Governor

  2. Approved by Governor — P.L.2026, c.85.

    9/9/2026Governor

  3. Passed Assembly, PBH — (78-1-0)

    6/30/2026House

  4. Substituted for A2524 (2R)

    6/30/2026House

  5. Received in Assembly, Without Reference, 2nd Reading in Assembly

    6/30/2026House

  6. Passed Senate — (40-0)

    6/30/2026Senate

  7. REP/SCA, 2nd Reading in Senate

    6/28/2026Senate

  8. Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee

    6/26/2026Senate

  9. REP/SCA, 2nd Reading in Senate

    6/8/2026Senate

  10. Introduced, 1st Reading in Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee

    3/12/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Senate Budget and Appropriations (6/28/26 2R)

    7/1/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • Senate Budget and Appropriations Substitute (6/28/26 1R)

    6/29/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • Senate Environment and Energy (6/8/26 1R)

    6/16/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • Senate Environment and Energy Substitute (6/8/26)

    6/9/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • As Introduced

    3/20/2026

    HTMLPDF

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