New Jersey 222nd Legislature Status: Introduced 3 D cosponsors

S 3183 — Modifies various provisions of State's renewable energy incentive programs; requires electric public utilities to consider interconnection applications for certain solar projects.*

Last action — APP

  1. 1
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed General Assembly
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been introduced in the Senate. Introduced January 13, 2026. It must pass committee before a floor vote.

Next likely step: a committee referral and hearing.

Odds of enactment

Low chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a low chance of becoming law.

Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.

A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Advancing 38% · moderate confidence

  • Introduced

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 8 sponsors

    4 primary, 4 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (3 D).

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 4 recorded votes so far.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

In plain language

The bill modifies renewable energy incentive programs and mandates utilities to consider solar project interconnections.

This bill changes some rules around renewable energy incentives and requires electric utilities to handle interconnection applications for specific solar projects. It aims to streamline the process for integrating solar energy into the grid.

What this means for you
  • Consumers: This could lead to increased availability and support for solar energy options for consumers.
  • Environment: The bill supports the growth of renewable energy sources, which can contribute to environmental sustainability.

Summary

Renewable energy incentive programs-modifies various provisions

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

257 added · 257 removed

Plain-language change summary

The amendment introduces a new section that defines several terms relevant to solar incentive programs, including "Administratively determined incentive program," "Board," "Co-location," "Community solar program," and "Competitive solicitation incentive program." Most notably, it removes the definition of "Contaminated site," which could impact how certain locations may qualify for solar projects in relation to their environmental conditions. This change may affect the criteria under which solar facilities are eligible for incentives.

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S3183 2R [Second Reprint] SENATE, No.
S3183 3R [Third Reprint] SENATE, No.
GREENSTEIN District 14 (Mercer and Middlesex)   Co-Sponsored by:
GREENSTEIN District 14 (Mercer and Middlesex) Assemblyman  ROBERT J.
Senator McKeon         SYNOPSIS      Modifies various provisions of State's renewable energy incentive programs;
KARABINCHAK District 18 (Middlesex) Assemblyman  WAYNE P.
DEANGELO District 14 (Mercer and Middlesex)   Co-Sponsored by:
Senator McKeon, Assemblywomen Brennan, Swain and Assemblyman Tully         SYNOPSIS      Modifies various provisions of State's renewable energy incentive programs;
  CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT      As amended by the Senate on March 23, 2026.
  CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT      As reported by the Assembly Budget Committee on June 28, 2026, with amendments.
       1.  (New section) a.  As used in this section:
        1.  (New section) a.  As used in this section:
     “Administratively determined incentive program” means the program for the award of SREC-IIs to small solar facilities pursuant to section 3 of P.L.2021, c.169 (C.48:3-116).
      “Administratively determined incentive program” means the program for the award of SREC-IIs to small solar facilities pursuant to section 3 of P.L.2021, c.169 (C.48:3-116).
     “Board” means the Board of Public Utilities.
      “Board” means the Board of Public Utilities.
     “Co-location” means siting two or more SREC-II eligible solar facilities on the same property or on contiguous properties 1[, such that the individual facilities are eligible for a higher incentive value than they would be if they were combined into one single facility.  In the case of net metered projects, SREC-II eligible solar facilities shall be not be deemed co-located if they serve separate net metering customers]1 .
      “Co-location” means siting two or more SREC-II eligible solar facilities on the same property or on contiguous properties 1[, such that the individual facilities are eligible for a higher incentive value than they would be if they were combined into one single facility.  In the case of net metered projects, SREC-II eligible solar facilities shall be not be deemed co-located if they serve separate net metering customers]1 .
     “Community solar program” means the program established by the board pursuant to section 5 of P.L.2018, c.17 (C.48:3-87.11).
      “Community solar program” means the program established by the board pursuant to section 5 of P.L.2018, c.17 (C.48:3-87.11).
     “Competitive solicitation incentive program” means the program for the award of SREC-IIs to solar facilities pursuant to section 4 of P.L.2021, c.169 (C.48:3-117).
      “Competitive solicitation incentive program” means the program for the award of SREC-IIs to solar facilities pursuant to section 4 of P.L.2021, c.169 (C.48:3-117).
     “Contaminated site” means any currently contaminated portion of a property on which industrial or commercial operations were conducted and a discharge occurred, and its associated disturbed areas, where “discharge” means the same as the term is defined in section 23 of P.L.1993, c.139 (C.58:10B-1).
      “Contaminated site” means any currently contaminated portion of a property on which industrial or commercial operations were conducted and a discharge occurred, and its associated disturbed areas, where “discharge” means the same as the term is defined in section 23 of P.L.1993, c.139 (C.58:10B-1).
     1“Federal Energy Regulatory Commission” or “FERC” means the same as the term is defined in section 3 of P.L.1999, c.23 (C.48:3-51).1      “Garden State Energy Storage Program” means the program established pursuant to P.L.2025, c.136 (C.48:3-121.2 et al.).
      1“Federal Energy Regulatory Commission” or “FERC” means the same as the term is defined in section 3 of P.L.1999, c.23 (C.48:3-51).1       “Garden State Energy Storage Program” means the program established pursuant to P.L.2025, c.136 (C.48:3-121.2 et al.).
     “Mining site” means a sand mine, gravel pit, or mine, or former sand mine, gravel pit, or mine, 1or1 closed resource extraction facility 1[, or] on1 land classified as “extractive mining” in Level II of the modified Anderson classification system within the most recent Land Use-Land Cover geographic information system data layer produced by the Department of Environmental Protection.
      “Mining site” means a sand mine, gravel pit, or mine, or former sand mine, gravel pit, or mine, 1or1 closed resource extraction facility 1[, or] on1 land classified as “extractive mining” in Level II of the modified Anderson classification system within the most recent Land Use-Land Cover geographic information system data layer produced by the Department of Environmental Protection.
     “Remote net metering program” means the program established by the board pursuant to section 6 of P.L.2018, c.17 (C.48:3-87.12).
      “Remote net metering program” means the program established by the board pursuant to section 6 of P.L.2018, c.17 (C.48:3-87.12).
     “Renewable energy facility” means the same as the term is defined in section 1 of P.L.2009, c.35 (C.40:55D-66.11).
      “Renewable energy facility” means the same as the term is defined in section 1 of P.L.2009, c.35 (C.40:55D-66.11).
     “Renewable energy incentive program” means the competitive solicitation incentive program, remote net metering program, community solar program, administratively determined incentive program, TREC program, SREC-II program, or any other program administered by the board, which provides financial incentives to renewable energy projects or facilities.
      “Renewable energy incentive program” means the competitive solicitation incentive program, remote net metering program, community solar program, administratively determined incentive program, TREC program, SREC-II program, or any other program administered by the board, which provides financial incentives to renewable energy projects or facilities.
     “Solar renewable energy certificate” or “SREC” means the same as the term is defined in section 3 of P.L.1999, c.23 (C.48:3-51).
      “Solar renewable energy certificate” or “SREC” means the same as the term is defined in section 3 of P.L.1999, c.23 (C.48:3-51).
     "Solar renewable energy certificate-II" or "SREC-II" means the same as the term is defined in section 3 of P.L.1999, c.23 (C.48:3-51).
      "Solar renewable energy certificate-II" or "SREC-II" means the same as the term is defined in section 3 of P.L.1999, c.23 (C.48:3-51).
     “Transition renewable energy certificate” or “TREC” means a certificate issued by the board or its designee under the solar energy transition incentive program, which is designed to transition between the SREC program and the SREC-II program established pursuant to P.L.2021, c.169 (C.48:3-114 et al.).
      “Transition renewable energy certificate” or “TREC” means a certificate issued by the board or its designee under the solar energy transition incentive program, which is designed to transition between the SREC program and the SREC-II program established pursuant to P.L.2021, c.169 (C.48:3-114 et al.).
     b.  Notwithstanding the provisions of section 38 of P.L.1999, c.23 (C.48:3-87), or any other law, rule, regulation, order, or board order to the contrary, 1[there shall be no prohibition on]1 2there shall be no prohibition on2 the co-location of solar facilities either registered or seeking registration or participation in the administratively determined incentive program, the competitive solicitation incentive program, the community solar program, the remote net metering program, or any combination thereof 1[.  Multiple solar facilities]1 2.  Multiple solar facilities2 may be 2[1permitted by the board, upon a petition by the developer of the proposed1]2 co-located 1[, either on the same property, or on contiguous properties, so long as the facilities] 2[facility.  Any petition submitted pursuant to this section shall include project details confirming that the proposed co-located projects1] , either on the same property, or on contiguous properties, so long as the facilities2 are 1:1  (1) developed as separate projects or separate phases of the same project 1[, and] ;1 2and2 (2) have separate interconnection facilities 2[1;
      b.  Notwithstanding the provisions of section 38 of P.L.1999, c.23 (C.48:3-87), or any other law, rule, regulation, order, or board order to the contrary, 1[there shall be no prohibition on]1 3[2there shall be no prohibition on2]3 the co-location of solar facilities either registered or seeking registration or participation in the administratively determined incentive program, the competitive solicitation incentive program, the community solar program, the remote net metering program, or any combination thereof 1[.  Multiple solar facilities]1 3[2.  Multiple solar facilities2]3 may be 2[1permitted by the board, upon a petition by the developer of the proposed1]2 3permitted by the board, upon a petition by the developer of the proposed3 co-located 1[, either on the same property, or on contiguous properties, so long as the facilities] 2[facility.  Any petition submitted pursuant to this section shall include project details confirming that the proposed co-located projects1] 3[, either on the same property, or on contiguous properties, so long as the] facility, if the proposed co-located3 facilities2 are 1:1  (1) developed as separate projects or separate phases of the same project 1[, and] ;1 3[2and2]3 (2) have separate interconnection facilities 2[1;
and (3) are being proposed for co-location as a result of interconnection constraints or available interconnection facilities and not for the purposes of seeking a higher solar incentive than if the projects were not co-located1]2 .  2Co-location shall not be permitted where the primary purpose or effect of the co-location is to obtain a higher incentive or more favorable incentive treatment than would be available if the facilities were developed independently.2         c.  Notwithstanding the provisions of section 38 of P.L.1999, c.23 (C.48:3-87), or any other law, rule, regulation, order, or board order to the contrary, 1[there shall be no size or power output restriction for]1 solar facilities 1with a capacity of up to 20 megawatts, as measured in alternating current (AC),1 that are located on 2commercial or industrial rooftops,2 landfills, brownfields, contaminated sites, or mining sites 1[for the purposes of eligibility for] shall be eligible for registration in1 the community solar program 1[or the remote net metering program] until December 31, 20281 .
and (3) are being proposed for co-location as a result of interconnection constraints or available interconnection facilities and not for the purposes of seeking a higher solar incentive than if the projects were not co-located1]2 3[.  2Co-location shall not be permitted where the primary purpose or effect of the co-location is to obtain a higher incentive or more favorable incentive treatment than would be available if the facilities were developed independently.2] ;
     d.  Notwithstanding the provisions of section 38 of P.L.1999, c.23 (C.48:3-87), or any other law, rule, regulation, order, or board order to the contrary, any project sited on a 1commercial or industrial rooftop,1 landfill, brownfield, contaminated site, or mining site that is participating in the community solar program, the remote net metering program, or any combination thereof shall have no less than 33 months from the date of registration in the applicable program to achieve commercial operation, as evidenced by a 1[permission to operate] permission-to-operate1 letter from the applicable electric public utility.
(3) are being proposed for co-location as a result of interconnection constraints;
1[The 33-month period referenced above shall be automatically extended, on a day for day basis, without the need for additional board order or other confirmation, in the event of utility-caused delays regarding interconnection of the project to the local electric transmission or distribution system.] Projects that do not achieve commercial operation by the deadline shall be allowed to re-register, regardless of whether capacity limits for the program have been reached.1      e.  An electric public utility shall, upon receipt of a complete application, accept, process, and 2[approve] respond to2 interconnection applications for community solar or remote net metering facilities on any electric line that is sized 34.5 kilovolts or less.       f.  Any electric line maintained by an electric public utility that is sized at 34.5 kilovolts or less shall be 2[considered to be] classified as2 1a1 distribution 1[lines,] line, unless 2[the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or a court of competent jurisdiction has made a final determination that the electric line in question is a transmission line subject to FERC jurisdiction.  Any such electric line1] the electric line in question is a transmission facility subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.  Any electric line that is classified as a distribution line2 shall be subject to the board’s jurisdiction, and 1[shall be eligible for interconnection by]1 any project participating in the community solar program, remote net meter program, the competitively determined incentive program, the Garden State Energy Storage Program, or any other State-sponsored solar electricity incentive program or battery energy storage program 1shall be allowed to interconnect to the electric line1 2, subject to the provisions of subsection g.
and (4) will not receive a higher incentive or more favorable incentive treatment than would be available if the facilities were developed as a single project, unless the board finds that there is a unique, project-specific reason to provide a different incentive level.3        c.  Notwithstanding the provisions of section 38 of P.L.1999, c.23 (C.48:3-87), or any other law, rule, regulation, order, or board order to the contrary, 1[there shall be no size or power output restriction for]1 3up to 300 megawatts, as measured in direct current, of3 solar facilities 1with a capacity 3[of up] from five megawatts3 to 20 megawatts, as measured in 3[alternating current (AC),1] direct current,3 that are located on 2commercial or industrial rooftops,2 landfills, 3[brownfields,]3 contaminated sites, or mining sites 1[for the purposes of eligibility for] shall be eligible for registration in1 the community solar program 1[or the remote net metering program] until December 31, 20281 3so long as the facility demonstrates that it is unable to interconnect as a PJM wholesale market participant in Transition Cycle 2 or earlier or as a Qualifying Facility pursuant to applicable orders from FERC and the “Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act of 1978,” Pub.L.
95-617.  The board may establish reasonable procedures to track and allocate such capacity consistent with this subsection.  Projects that registered or received awards under another New Jersey solar program prior to the effective date of P.L.    , c.    (C.          ) (pending before the legislature as this bill) shall not be eligible to register in the community solar program pursuant to this subsection unless the board finds that there is a unique, project-specific reason to allow the project to transfer programs.  Projects that submitted applications in the fourth solicitation of the board’s competitive solar incentive program shall only be eligible to register in the community solar program pursuant to this subsection if they do not receive awards in that program3 .
      d.  3The board may establish, via board order, differentiated incentive levels based on project size and project type for co-located projects and projects larger than five megawatts, as measured in direct current, in the community solar program, and may from time to time adjust the categories and incentive levels.
      e.3  Notwithstanding the provisions of section 38 of P.L.1999, c.23 (C.48:3-87), or any other law, rule, regulation, order, or board order to the contrary, any project sited on a 1commercial or industrial rooftop,1 landfill, 3[brownfield,]3 contaminated site, or mining site that is participating in the community solar program, the remote net metering program, or any combination thereof shall have no less than 33 months from the date of registration in the applicable program to achieve commercial operation, as evidenced by a 1[permission to operate] permission-to-operate1 letter from the applicable electric public utility.
1[The 33-month period referenced above shall be automatically extended, on a day for day basis, without the need for additional board order or other confirmation, in the event of utility-caused delays regarding interconnection of the project to the local electric transmission or distribution system.] 3[Projects] Facilities3 that do not achieve commercial operation by the deadline shall be allowed to re-register, regardless of whether capacity limits for the program have been reached.1       3[e.] f.3  An electric public utility shall, upon receipt of a complete application, accept, process, and 2[approve] respond to2 interconnection applications for community solar or remote net metering facilities on any electric line that is sized 34.5 kilovolts or less.        3[f.] g.3  Any electric line maintained by an electric public utility that is sized at 34.5 kilovolts or less shall be 2[considered to be] classified as2 1a1 distribution 1[lines,] line, unless 2[the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or a court of competent jurisdiction has made a final determination that the electric line in question is a transmission line subject to FERC jurisdiction.  Any such electric line1] the electric line in question is a transmission facility subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.  Any electric line that is classified as a distribution line2 shall be subject to the board’s jurisdiction, and 1[shall be eligible for interconnection by]1 any project participating in the community solar program, remote net 3[meter] metering3 program, the competitively determined incentive program, the Garden State Energy Storage Program, or any other State-sponsored solar electricity incentive program or battery energy storage program 1shall be allowed to interconnect to the electric line1 2, subject to the provisions of subsection g.
     2g.  Any application for interconnection submitted pursuant subsection f.
      3[2g.] h.3  Any application for interconnection submitted pursuant 3[subsection f.
of this section shall be reviewed and processed in accordance with the board’s interconnection rules, N.J.A.C.
of] to3 this section shall be reviewed and processed in accordance with the board’s interconnection rules 3[,] under3 N.J.A.C.14:8-5, or any successor regulations.  The applicant, developer, or owner of a solar facility or energy storage facility seeking to interconnect to an electric public utility’s distribution system shall pay the full cost of any required interconnection study.  Prior to the commencement of the study, the developer shall pay the estimated cost of the study.  An electric public utility shall not be required to initiate or continue an interconnection study until full up-front payment has been received.  The cost of the study shall be based on the 3electric public3 utility’s actual cost to perform the study within the timeframe established by the board, including costs incurred through third party contractors.  Upon completion of the study, the 3electric public3 utility shall recover from the 3applicant,3 developer 3, or owner of a solar facility3 any additional reasonable costs incurred beyond the estimated amount paid.  The applicant, developer, or owner of a solar facility or energy storage facility seeking to interconnect to an electric public utility’s distribution system shall also be responsible for all costs associated with the interconnection of such facilities, including, but not limited to, study costs, engineering costs, and the costs of any system upgrades or modifications required to accommodate the interconnection, as determined in accordance with the board’s interconnection rules.  Such costs shall not be borne by ratepayers and shall not be eligible for recovery through rates, except as otherwise permitted by the board in accordance with its interconnection rules.2        2.    Section 1 of P.L.2009, c.35 (C.40:55D-66.11) is amended to read as follows:
14:8-5, or any successor regulations.  The applicant, developer, or owner of a solar facility or energy storage facility seeking to interconnect to an electric public utility’s distribution system shall pay the full cost of any required interconnection study.  Prior to the commencement of the study, the developer shall pay the estimated cost of the study.  An electric public utility shall not be required to initiate or continue an interconnection study until full up-front payment has been received.  The cost of the study shall be based on the utility’s actual cost to perform the study within the timeframe established by the board, including costs incurred through third party contractors.  Upon completion of the study, the utility shall recover from the developer any additional reasonable costs incurred beyond the estimated amount paid.  The applicant, developer, or owner of a solar facility or energy storage facility seeking to interconnect to an electric public utility’s distribution system shall also be responsible for all costs associated with the interconnection of such facilities, including, but not limited to, study costs, engineering costs, and the costs of any system upgrades or modifications required to accommodate the interconnection, as determined in accordance with the board’s interconnection rules.  Such costs shall not be borne by ratepayers and shall not be eligible for recovery through rates, except as otherwise permitted by the board in accordance with its interconnection rules.2        2.    Section 1 of P.L.2009, c.35 (C.40:55D-66.11) is amended to read as follows:
     2.  a.  Notwithstanding any law, ordinance, rule or regulation to the contrary, a solar or photovoltaic energy facility, battery storage, or renewable energy facility or structure associated with either a solar or photovoltaic energy 1or battery storage1 facility constructed and operated on the site of any 1commercial or industrial rooftop,1 landfill, brownfield, contaminated site, mining site, or closed resource extraction operation, shall be a permitted use within every municipality.
      2.  a.  Notwithstanding any law, ordinance, rule or regulation to the contrary, a solar or photovoltaic energy facility, battery storage, or renewable energy facility or structure associated with either a solar or photovoltaic energy 1or battery storage1 facility constructed and operated on the site of any 3[1commercial or industrial]3 rooftop,1 landfill, brownfield, contaminated site, mining site, or closed resource extraction operation, shall be a permitted use within every municipality.
     b.  Notwithstanding any law, ordinance, rule or regulation to the contrary, a wind energy generation facility or structure constructed and operated on the site of any landfill or closed resource extraction operation, shall be a permitted use within every municipality outside the pinelands area as defined pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1979, c.111 (C.13:18A-3).
      b.  Notwithstanding any law, ordinance, rule or regulation to the contrary, a wind energy generation facility or structure constructed and operated on the site of any landfill or closed resource extraction operation, shall be a permitted use within every municipality outside the pinelands area as defined pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1979, c.111 (C.13:18A-3).
     The Department of Environmental Protection may adopt, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), rules and regulations as necessary to effectuate the purposes of this subsection.
      The Department of Environmental Protection may adopt, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), rules and regulations as necessary to effectuate the purposes of this subsection.
P.L.2017, c.131, s.174)      5.    Section of P.L.2018, c.17 (C.48:3-87.12     5.         Section 6 of P.L.2018, c.17 (C.48:3-87.12) is amended to read as follows:
P.L.2017, c.131, s.174)         5.   Section of P.L.2018, c.17 (C.48:3-87.12) is amended to read as follows:
     6.  a.
      6.  a.
     A remote net metered solar energy project shall:
      A remote net metered solar energy project shall:
     (1) have a capacity up to [five] 20 megawatts, as measured in 1[direct] alternating1 current 1(AC)1 ;
      (1) have a capacity up to [five] 3[20] five3 megawatts, as measured in 1[direct] 3[alternating1] direct3 current 3[1(AC)1] (DC)3 ;
     (2) exclusively serve public entities certified by the board to act as receiving customers and located within the same electric distribution company service territory as the project;
      (2) exclusively serve public entities certified by the board to act as receiving customers and located within the same electric distribution company service territory as the project;
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     (3) be located on any property owned, licensed, or leased by any public entity or on any suitable private property, including, but not limited to, rooftops of commercial 2or industrial2 buildings, parking lots, brownfields [for which a final remediation document has been issued, or properly closed sanitary landfill facilities] , contaminated sites, landfills, or mining sites 1, so long as:
      (3) be located on any property owned, licensed, or leased by any public entity or on any suitable private property, including, but not limited to, rooftops of commercial 2or industrial2 buildings, parking lots, 3[brownfields]3 [for which a final remediation document has been issued, or properly closed sanitary landfill facilities] , contaminated sites, landfills, or mining sites 1, so long as:
     (a) prior to commencing construction of the project:  (i) for a brownfield or contaminated site, a remedial action work plan has been approved by either the department or a licensed site remediation professional pursuant to the regulations adopted under chapter 26C of title 7 of the New Jersey Administrative Code, and the regulations adopted under chapter 26E of title 7 of the New Jersey Administrative Code;
      (a) prior to commencing construction of the project:  (i) for a 3[brownfield or]3 contaminated site, a remedial action work plan has been approved by either the 3[department] Department of Environmental Protection3 or a licensed site remediation professional pursuant to the regulations adopted under chapter 26C of Title 7 of the New Jersey Administrative Code, and the regulations adopted under chapter 26E of Title 7 of the New Jersey Administrative Code;
and (ii) for a landfill, a closure plan has been approved by the department;
and (ii) for a landfill, a closure plan has been approved by the 3[department] Department of Environmental Protection3 ;
and      (b) after the time the solar project construction is complete:  (i) if required for a brownfield or contaminated site, an engineering control has been installed and the department has issued a remedial action permit;
and       (b) after the time the solar project construction is complete:  (i) if required for a 3[brownfield or]3 contaminated site, an engineering control has been installed and the 3[department] Department of Environmental Protection3 has issued a remedial action permit;
or (ii) the department has deemed a landfill has been properly closed1 ;
or (ii) the 3[department] Department of Environmental Protection3 has deemed a landfill has been properly closed1 ;
     (4) not be sited on:
      (4) not be sited on:
     (a) land preserved under the Green Acres Program;
      (a) land preserved under the Green Acres Program;
     (b) land designated as freshwater wetlands as defined pursuant to P.L.1987, c.156 (C.13:9B-1 et seq.), or coastal wetlands as defined pursuant to P.L.1970, c.272 (C.13:9A-1 et seq.);
      (b) land designated as freshwater wetlands as defined pursuant to P.L.1987, c.156 (C.13:9B-1 et seq.), or coastal wetlands as defined pursuant to P.L.1970, c.272 (C.13:9A-1 et seq.);
     (c) forested lands, as defined by the board in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection;
      (c) forested lands, as defined by the board in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection;
or      [d)] (d) prime agricultural soils and soils of Statewide importance, as identified by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, which are located in Agricultural Development Areas certified by the State Agricultural Development Committee;
or       [d)] (d) prime agricultural soils and soils of Statewide importance, as identified by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, which are located in Agricultural Development Areas certified by the State Agricultural Development Committee;
     (5) have a facility size calculated based upon the total aggregate electricity usage of the receiving public entity customer utility accounts to be served by the project, based on the total usage of each proposed customer account over the previous twelve months;
      (5) have a facility size calculated based upon the total aggregate electricity usage of the receiving public entity customer utility accounts to be served by the project, based on the total usage of each proposed customer account over the previous twelve months;
and      (6) be metered separately.
and       (6) be metered separately.
     b.    The board shall establish a remote net metering application process to approve remote net metered solar energy projects and certify public entities to act as receiving customers for remote net metering generating capacity.  The process shall be modeled after the relevant rules and regulations adopted by the board for the community solar energy program pursuant to section 5 of P.L.2018, c.17 (C.48:3-87.11), including, but not limited to, the calculation of the value of the net metering credit.  An electric public utility shall be entitled to full and timely cost recovery, including the full value of public remote net metering credits provided to customers and billing system investments, associated with public remote net metering consistent with the Community Solar provisions pursuant to subsection e.
      b.   The board shall establish a remote net metering application process to approve remote net metered solar energy projects and certify public entities to act as receiving customers for remote net metering generating capacity.  The process shall be modeled after the relevant rules and regulations adopted by the board for the community solar energy program pursuant to section 5 of P.L.2018, c.17 (C.48:3-87.11), including, but not limited to, the calculation of the value of the net metering credit.  An electric public utility shall be entitled to full and timely cost recovery, including the full value of public remote net metering credits provided to customers and billing system investments, associated with public remote net metering consistent with the Community Solar provisions pursuant to subsection e.
     c.     (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2023, c.190)      d.    The electric distribution company that serves the location of a solar energy project approved pursuant to this section shall be responsible for reviewing and approving the interconnection of the solar energy project.
      c.   (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2023, c.190)       d.   The electric distribution company that serves the location of a solar energy project approved pursuant to this section shall be responsible for reviewing and approving the interconnection of the solar energy project.
     1e.  For the purposes of this section, a solar facility located on a landfill, brownfield, contaminated site, or mining site may include associated or contiguous lands developed as part of the same project, and no limitation shall be imposed based on the proportion of such associated or contiguous lands relative to the total project area or capacity.1 (cf:
      1e.  For the purposes of this section, a solar facility located on a landfill, brownfield, contaminated site, or mining site may include associated or contiguous lands developed as part of the same project, and no limitation shall be imposed based on the proportion of such associated or contiguous lands relative to the total project area or capacity.1 (cf:
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This bill amends 5 section(s) of the New Jersey statutes: N.J.S.A. 48:3-116; N.J.S.A. 40:55D-66.11; N.J.S.A. 40:55D-66.16; N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5; N.J.S.A. 48:3-87.12.

  • N.J.S.A. 48:3-116

    , such that the individual facilities are eligible for a higher incentive value than they would be if they were combined into one single facility. In the case of net metered projects, SREC-II eligible solar facilities shall be not be deemed co-located if they serve separate net metering customers , or there shall be no prohibition on 2⟦INS⟧there shall be no prohibition on⟦/INS⟧2 . Multiple solar facilities 2⟦INS⟧. Multiple solar facilities⟦/INS⟧2 1⟦INS⟧permitted by the board, upon a petition by the developer of the proposed⟦/INS⟧1 , either on the same property, or on contiguous properties, so long as the facilities ⟦INS⟧facility. Any petition submitted pursuant to this section shall include project details confirming that the proposed co-located projects⟦/INS⟧1 ⟦INS⟧, either on the same property, or on contiguous properties, so long as the⟦/INS⟧ , and 2⟦INS⟧and⟦/INS⟧2 1⟦INS⟧; and (3) are being proposed for co-location as a result of interconnection constraints or available interconnection facilities and not for the purposes of seeking a higher solar incentive than if the projects were not co-located⟦/INS⟧1 . 2⟦INS⟧Co-location shall not be permitted where the primary purpose or effect of the co-location is to obtain a higher incentive or more favorable incentive treatment than would be available if the facilities were developed independently.⟦/INS⟧2 there shall be no size or power output restriction for ⟦INS⟧of up⟦/INS⟧ ⟦INS⟧alternating current (AC),⟦/INS⟧1 brownfields, for the purposes of eligibility for or the remote net metering program brownfield, permission to operate The 33-month period referenced above shall be automatically extended, on a day for day basis, without the need for additional board order or other confirmation, in the event of utility-caused delays regarding interconnection of the project to the local electric transmission or distribution system. ⟦INS⟧Projects⟦/INS⟧ e. approve f. considered to be lines, ⟦INS⟧the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or a court of competent jurisdiction has made a final determination that the electric line in question is a transmission line subject to FERC jurisdiction. Any such electric line⟦/INS⟧1 shall be eligible for interconnection by meter 2⟦INS⟧g.⟦/INS⟧ ⟦INS⟧subsection f. of⟦/INS⟧ ⟦INS⟧,⟦/INS⟧ → "Federal Energy Regulatory Commission" or "FERC" means the same as the term is defined in section 3 of P.L.1999, c.23 (C.48:3-51). or on there shall be no prohibition on . Multiple solar facilities permitted by the board, upon a petition by the developer of the proposed permitted by the board, upon a petition by the developer of the proposed facility. Any petition submitted pursuant to this section shall include project details confirming that the proposed co-located projects , either on the same property, or on contiguous properties, so long as the facility, if the proposed co-located facilities : ; and ; and (3) are being proposed for co-location as a result of interconnection constraints or available interconnection facilities and not for the purposes of seeking a higher solar incentive than if the projects were not co-located Co-location shall not be permitted where the primary purpose or effect of the co-location is to obtain a higher incentive or more favorable incentive treatment than would be available if the facilities were developed independently. ; (3) are being proposed for co-location as a result of interconnection constraints; and (4) will not receive a higher incentive or more favorable incentive treatment than would be available if the facilities were developed as a single project, unless the board finds that there is a unique, project-specific reason to provide a different incentive level. up to 300 megawatts, as measured in direct current, of with a capacity of up from five megawatts to 20 megawatts, as measured in alternating current (AC), direct current, commercial or industrial rooftops, shall be eligible for registration in until December 31, 2028 so long as the facility demonstrates that it is unable to interconnect as a PJM wholesale market participant in Transition Cycle 2 or earlier or as a Qualifying Facility pursuant to applicable orders from FERC and the "Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act of 1978," Pub.L. 95-617. The board may establish reasonable procedures to track and allocate such capacity consistent with this subsection. Projects that registered or received awards under another New Jersey solar program prior to the effective date of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the legislature as this bill) shall not be eligible to register in the community solar program pursuant to this subsection unless the board finds that there is a unique, project-specific reason to allow the project to transfer programs. Projects that submitted applications in the fourth solicitation of the board's competitive solar incentive program shall only be eligible to register in the community solar program pursuant to this subsection if they do not receive awards in that program The board may establish, via board order, differentiated incentive levels based on project size and project type for co-located projects and projects larger than five megawatts, as measured in direct current, in the community solar program, and may from time to time adjust the categories and incentive levels. e. commercial or industrial rooftop, permission-to-operate Projects Facilities that do not achieve commercial operation by the deadline shall be allowed to re-register, regardless of whether capacity limits for the program have been reached. f. respond to g. classified as a line, unless the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or a court of competent jurisdiction has made a final determination that the electric line in question is a transmission line subject to FERC jurisdiction. Any such electric line the electric line in question is a transmission facility subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Any electric line that is classified as a distribution line metering shall be allowed to interconnect to the electric line , subject to the provisions of subsection g. of this section g. h. Any application for interconnection submitted pursuant subsection f. of to this section shall be reviewed and processed in ac

    added

  • N.J.S.A. 40:55D-66.11

    20 → 10 or commercial or storage battery storage technology,

    amended

  • N.J.S.A. 40:55D-66.16

    1⟦INS⟧commercial or industrial⟦/INS⟧ → , battery storage, or renewable energy facility associated with either a solar or photovoltaic energy or battery storage facility commercial or industrial rooftop, , brownfield, contaminated site, mining site,

    amended

  • N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5

    , or the purchase of remote net metering credits, similar renewable energy credits, or renewable energy production credits pursuant to a program administered by the Board of Public Utilities, including the remote net metering program established pursuant to section 6 of P.L.2018, c.17 (C.48:3-87.12)

    amended

  • N.J.S.A. 48:3-87.12

    five ⟦INS⟧20⟦/INS⟧ direct ⟦INS⟧alternating⟦/INS⟧1 1⟦INS⟧(AC)⟦/INS⟧1 brownfields for which a final remediation document has been issued, or properly closed sanitary landfill facilities ⟦INS⟧brownfield or⟦/INS⟧ ⟦INS⟧department⟦/INS⟧ ⟦INS⟧department⟦/INS⟧ ⟦INS⟧brownfield or⟦/INS⟧ ⟦INS⟧department⟦/INS⟧ ⟦INS⟧department⟦/INS⟧ d) → 20 five alternating direct (AC) (DC) or industrial , contaminated sites, landfills, or mining sites , so long as: (a) prior to commencing construction of the project: (i) for a brownfield or contaminated site, a remedial action work plan has been approved by either the department Department of Environmental Protection or a licensed site remediation professional pursuant to the regulations adopted under chapter 26C of Title 7 of the New Jersey Administrative Code, and the regulations adopted under chapter 26E of Title 7 of the New Jersey Administrative Code; and (ii) for a landfill, a closure plan has been approved by the department Department of Environmental Protection ; and (b) after the time the solar project construction is complete: (i) if required for a brownfield or contaminated site, an engineering control has been installed and the department Department of Environmental Protection has issued a remedial action permit; or (ii) the department Department of Environmental Protection has deemed a landfill has been properly closed (d) e. For the purposes of this section, a solar facility located on a landfill, brownfield, contaminated site, or mining site may include associated or contiguous lands developed as part of the same project, and no limitation shall be imposed based on the proportion of such associated or contiguous lands relative to the total project area or capacity.

    amended

Action History

  1. APP

  2. PS PBH

  3. R/S 2RSC

  4. PA

  5. SUB FOR

  6. REP/ACA 2RA

  7. TRANS ABU

  8. R/A REF AAP

  9. PS

  10. REP 2RS

  11. REF SBA

  12. SA 2RS

  13. REP/SCA 2RS

  14. INT 1RS REF SEN

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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4 sponsors · 4 co-sponsors · 112 not signed on · 10 voted No

Sponsors (4)

Co-sponsors (4)

Not signed on (112)

112 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 112 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

Committee vote — ABU

Passed 11 Yea · 3 Nay · 1 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 11000
Republican 0301
Total 11301
% of votes cast 73%20%0%7%
How each member voted (15)
Member Party Vote
Abdelaziz, Al Democrat Yea
Freiman, Roy Democrat Yea
Murphy, Carol A. Democrat Yea
Park, Ellen J. Democrat Yea
Pintor Marin, Eliana Democrat Yea
Reynolds-Jackson, Verlina Democrat Yea
Rodriguez, Gabriel Democrat Yea
Schaer, Gary S. Democrat Yea
Schnall, Alexander Democrat Yea
Spearman, William W. Democrat Yea
Venezia, Michael Democrat Yea
Barlas, Al Republican Nay
Inganamort, Michael Republican Not Voting
Rumpf, Brian E. Republican Nay
Scharfenberger, Gerry Republican Nay

Official roll call →

Floor vote

Passed 32 Yea · 7 Nay · 1 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 7701
Democrat 25000
Total 32701
% of votes cast 80%18%0%3%
How each member voted (40)
Member Party Vote
Beach, James Democrat Yea
Burgess, Renee C. Democrat Yea
Burzichelli, John J. Democrat Yea
Cruz-Perez, Nilsa I. Democrat Yea
Cryan, Joseph P. Democrat Yea
Diegnan Jr., Patrick J. Democrat Yea
Gopal, Vin Democrat Yea
Greenstein, Linda R. Democrat Yea
Johnson, Gordon M. Democrat Yea
Lagana, Joseph A. Democrat Yea
McKeon, John F. Democrat Yea
McKnight, Angela V. Democrat Yea
Moriarty, Paul D. Democrat Yea
Mukherji, Raj Democrat Yea
Ruiz, M. Teresa Democrat Yea
Sarlo, Paul A. Democrat Yea
Scutari, Nicholas P. Democrat Yea
Singleton, Troy Democrat Yea
Smith, Bob Democrat Yea
Stack, Brian P. Democrat Yea
Timberlake, Britnee N. Democrat Yea
Turner, Shirley K. Democrat Yea
Vitale, Joseph F. Democrat Yea
Wimberly, Benjie E. Democrat Yea
Zwicker, Andrew Democrat Yea
Amato Jr., Carmen F. Republican Yea
Bramnick, Jon M. Republican Yea
Bucco, Anthony M. Republican Nay
Corrado, Kristin M. Republican Nay
Henry, Owen Republican Yea
Holzapfel, James W. Republican Yea
O'Scanlon Jr., Declan J. Republican Nay
Pennacchio, Joseph Republican Nay
Polistina, Vincent J. Republican Yea
Schepisi, Holly T. Republican Not Voting
Singer, Robert W. Republican Nay
Space, Parker Republican Nay
Steinhardt, Douglas J. Republican Yea
Testa Jr., Michael L. Republican Nay
Tiver, Latham Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Committee vote — SBA

Passed 11 Yea · 2 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 9000
Republican 2200
Total 11200
% of votes cast 85%15%0%0%
How each member voted (13)
Member Party Vote
Burgess, Renee C. Democrat Yea
Burzichelli, John J. Democrat Yea
Cruz-Perez, Nilsa I. Democrat Yea
Diegnan Jr., Patrick J. Democrat Yea
Greenstein, Linda R. Democrat Yea
Johnson, Gordon M. Democrat Yea
Ruiz, M. Teresa Democrat Yea
Sarlo, Paul A. Democrat Yea
Zwicker, Andrew Democrat Yea
Amato Jr., Carmen F. Republican Yea
O'Scanlon Jr., Declan J. Republican Nay
Steinhardt, Douglas J. Republican Yea
Testa Jr., Michael L. Republican Nay

Official roll call →

Subjects

energy
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Frequently asked questions

What does S 3183 do?
Renewable energy incentive programs-modifies various provisions
Who sponsors S 3183?
S 3183 is sponsored by Karabinchak, Robert J., DeAngelo, Wayne P., Brennan, Katie, Swain, Lisa, Tully, Chris, Scutari, Nicholas P. (Democrat), Greenstein, Linda R. (Democrat), and McKeon, John F. (Democrat).
What is the current status of S 3183?
This bill has been introduced in the Senate. Introduced January 13, 2026. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
Where can I track S 3183?
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