SENATE ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 2368

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 16, 2026

      The Senate Environment and Energy Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Senate Bill No. 2368.

      As amended, this bill would exempt portable solar generation devices from certain interconnection, net metering, and other requirements.  The bill would also require the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to adopt certain rules and regulations concerning portable solar generation devices.

      The bill would define “portable solar generation device” to mean a device that has a maximum power output of not more than 1,200 watts, is designed to be connected to a building's electrical system through a standard 120-volt alternating current outlet, and that meets additional requirements set forth in subsection a. of section 1 of the bill.  The bill would exempt portable solar generation devices from any requirement to obtain or execute interconnection agreement prior to operating the device pursuant to the “Energy Discount and Energy Competition Act,” P.L.1999, c.23 (C.48:3-49 et al.) (EDECA) or any other law.  The bill would also exempt devices from net metering program requirements under EDECA or any other law.  In addition, the bill would prohibit electric utilities from requiring a customer using a portable solar generation device to:  (1) obtain the utility's approval before installing or using the device; (2) pay any fee or charge related to the device; or (3) install any additional controls or equipment beyond what is integrated into the device.  The bill would also provide that electric utilities could not be held liable for any damage or injury caused by a customer’s use of a portable solar generation device.

      Finally, the bill would require the DCA to adopt a portable solar generation device addendum to, or amendments to revise, the electrical subcode or other model code adopted pursuant to the State Uniform Construction Code Act to provide guidance concerning wiring or modification of homes to accommodate the use of commercially available portable solar generation devices.

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amendments to the bill:

      (1) add a section to the bill requiring the DCA to adopt amendments or an addendum to the electrical subcode or other model code concerning portable solar generation devices; and

      (2) make technical changes to the bill.