Freehold, NJ Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

New Jersey solar permitting is governed by the NJ Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23) with each municipality acting as the enforcing agency. Monmouth County residents must obtain a UCC Solar Photovoltaic Permit through their local Construction Code Official. Plans must show panel layout, structural capacity of the roof (trusses must be rated for additional dead load, typically 5 psf), electrical interconnection, inverter specifications, and fire setbacks. Fire Code setbacks under N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.18 and NJ Fire Code adoption of IFC 2018 Section 1204: 3-foot pathway from roof ridge on each side; 3-foot pathway from hip roof edges; panel placement must leave firefighter access. Electrical permit covers inverter (typically string or micro-inverter), AC disconnect, and utility interconnection per NEC 2020 Article 690. Most Monmouth utilities (JCP&L, Atlantic City Electric in southern portions) require interconnection agreement and bi-directional net meter. NJ Solar Access Law (N.J.S.A. 45:22A-48.2, Radburn Act) prohibits HOAs from effectively banning solar. New Jersey's SREC/TREC program (N.J.S.A. 48:3-87) provides valuable credits for generated electricity. Permits typically $200 to $500 in Monmouth towns (Middletown $250, Howell $300, Freehold Twp $225). Projects over 10 kW may trigger additional zoning review. Ground-mounted systems face full zoning setback requirements (typically 10-25 feet from property lines). Coastal flood zone installations (Belmar, Long Branch, Asbury Park oceanfront) require panels and inverters elevated above Base Flood Elevation (BFE) per N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.14 and FEMA requirements.