NJ S651

New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) must develop a program within three months allowing solar energy systems connected to critical renewable microgrids to be designated as community solar projects eligible for SREC-II incentives at low/moderate-income rates.

Solar systems seeking designation must devote at least 75% of energy output to low- or moderate-income customers at prices at least 20% lower than standard community solar credits, and may exceed the typical 5-megawatt capacity limit.

Annual capacity for approved microgrid-connected solar systems is capped at 100 megawatts, with individual microgrids limited to 15 megawatts per year; project designations last 25 years.

The Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness must establish standards within six months for designating critical renewable microgrids as homeland security assets, exempting associated solar incentives from the Class I renewable energy cost cap.

Municipalities may use automatic enrollment to acquire customers for microgrid-connected solar projects, provided customers receive notification and opt-out options.