Governor Signs Legislation to Expand Solar Energy Access

On Aug 22, 2025

Gov. Phil Murphy today signed into law S4530/A5768 and A5267/S4289, expected to expand solar access for 450,000 additional New Jerseyans, including 250,000 low-income families. This should enable the equivalent of one million households to receive solar power by 2028. According to the governor, the bills are expected to lower energy costs by accelerating the construction of energy storage facilities across the state.

S4530/A5768 directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to open registration by October 1, 2025 for an additional 3,000 megawatts of community solar projects. This will mark an expansion of New Jersey’s solar programs and help families and businesses save money on their monthly electric bills, according to the governor.

A5267/S4289 establishes a transmission-scale energy storage incentive program to achieve the state’s goal of 2,000 megawatts of energy storage by 2030. The program seeks to rapidly install new clean energy capacity and reduce costs for New Jersey’s energy customers.

In an effort to provide necessary energy alternatives, these pieces of legislation allow for the rapid expansion of New Jersey’s community solar program and swift creation of new energy storage facilities. Solar capacity has increased from 2.4 gigawatts to 5.2 gigawatts under the Murphy administration, with solar currently powering the equivalent of over 600,000 homes.

“Today, we are taking immediate and far-reaching steps to lower energy costs for every household in New Jersey,” said Murphy. “By accelerating the process for bringing new sources of energy online and rapidly building new energy storage facilities, we will meet growing demand while also making life more affordable for our state’s families. As part of this process, we are going to create good-paying, union jobs and build a cleaner, more resilient future for every New Jerseyan.”

“I want to thank Governor Murphy for his leadership in advancing clean power solutions for New Jersey,” said NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy. “This legislation addresses real problems. More New Jerseyans will get access to the benefits of expanded community solar programs—one of the best ways for residents to lower their utility bills while contributing to clean energy in the Garden State. And large-scale battery storage will strengthen our electric grid and keep the lights on when we need it most. This is how we build a grid that works for everyone.”

The two bills signed today build upon the Murphy Administration’s ongoing efforts to mitigate rising energy costs due to mismanagement by regional grid operator PJM.

Other measures that the Murphy administration has taken include:

• Calling for a formal investigation into the energy cost crisis facilitated by PJM
• Announcing $430 million in direct economic relief for New Jersey ratepayers
• Sending a bipartisan letter to PJM demanding increased transparency and oversight
• Signing legislation to increase public accountability from grid operators

The prime sponsors of S4530/A5768 are Senators Gopal and McKeon and Assemblymembers Peterpaul, Donlon, and Karabinchak. The prime sponsors of A5267/S4289 are Senators Smith and Burzichelli and Assemblymembers DeAngelo, Bailey, Jr., and Egan.

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