Howell, NJ Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Solar permit fees in Howell Township sit in the Uniform Construction Code fee schedule of § 139-86 of the Township Code, enforced by the Construction Office under Chapter 108. Two lines apply to panels. Under the building subcode, an R-3 and R-5 solar racking system costs $150, while every other use group is calculated based upon cost of work. Under the electrical subcode, PV devices are listed with transformers and generators as electrical devices, and R-5 and R-3 photovoltaic (PV) array systems up to 10 KW cost $225, with $25 for each KW (or portion) above 10 KW. The code asks for the actual nameplate KW rating on the application to assure no delay in permit issuance. The general electrical minimum fee is $85 for R-5 and R-3 and $150 for all other use groups.

Larger installations also face zoning. Section 188-69 lists a solar energy generation facility as a conditional use in the ARE-3, ARE-4 and ARE-6 zones only, and § 188-98.3 sets a minimum lot area of 65 acres. The code defines a solar energy generation facility as a system of fuel cells, solar or photovoltaic panels and equipment, or an area of land principally used to convert solar energy to electricity.

Design standards printed for those facilities require emergency vehicle access to ground-mounted components as per the New Jersey State Fire Code, Section 305, and bar occupying NJDEP-regulated floodplains, flood hazard areas, wetlands, wetland transition areas or riparian corridors without an NJDEP permit. A three-hundred-foot buffer applies to Category One waters, including the Metedeconk River and the Manasquan Reservoir. Facilities must be screened from public roads and preserved farmland. A facility not in active and continuous service for one year must be removed under a decommissioning plan, which requires a demolition permit from the Howell Township construction official and a performance bond, cash or letter of credit.