New Jersey Expands Solar Incentives, Eases Siting Rules

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill on Sep. 9 signed legislation that expands the state’s renewable energy incentive programs, eases solar development restrictions, and requires electric public utilities to move qualifying interconnection applications forward more quickly. The measure is intended to accelerate project development by opening more previously developed land for clean energy investment while strengthening support for battery storage.

The new law allows multiple solar facilities to be developed on the same or adjoining properties as separate projects when they use separate interconnection facilities. It also removes size restrictions for community solar and remote net metering projects built on landfills, brownfields, contaminated sites, and mining properties, creating additional opportunities to repurpose underused land for renewable energy.

The measure also targets one of the industry’s biggest obstacles by requiring utilities to accept, process, and respond to complete interconnection applications for qualifying community solar and remote net metering projects on distribution lines up to 34.5 kilovolts. Eligible projects will receive at least 33 months to reach commercial operation, with automatic extensions if utility-related delays prevent timely interconnection.

Battery storage receives broader recognition under the new law by expanding where these facilities can be developed. The law expands the permitted-use framework for renewable-energy and battery-storage facilities in municipal industrial districts and on landfills, brownfields, contaminated sites, and mining properties, reducing local siting barriers for future projects.

Public entities will gain greater flexibility to purchase remote net metering credits and other renewable energy credits administered through the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities without triggering certain public bidding requirements.

Together, the changes reshape several existing state incentive programs by encouraging larger projects, improving access to redevelopment sites, and reducing administrative hurdles that have slowed deployment.