Trenton, NJ Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Solar systems in Trenton go through the same Uniform Construction Code permit process as other electrical work, with fees set at Trenton Code § 42-12H: $125 for a solar array from 1 kW to 10 kW, another $125 for each additional 5 kW, $125 per inverter, $125 for each inverter over 50 kW, $10 per microinverter, and a separate fee for each solar panel disconnect. The Chapter 42 fee schedule also lists a flat $125 charge for an R-3/R-5 (one- and two-family) solar system and $250 for all other solar systems under the general permit fee table at § 42-12D(17).

Placement and size are controlled separately by the zoning code at § 315-9.4.R. Panels may be building-mounted or freestanding but must avoid directing concentrated solar radiation or glare onto neighboring properties or roadways. On a pitched roof, a roof-mounted panel may rise no more than 18 inches above the roof surface. On a flat-roofed building up to 40 feet tall, roof-mounted systems are capped at six feet above the roof; on taller flat-roofed buildings, the cap rises to 15 feet, and roof-mounted systems are excluded from the building's height calculation entirely. Wall-mounted panels may project up to four feet from the facade but cannot encroach more than three feet into a required setback. A freestanding system is allowed in any yard, must sit at least 10 feet from every lot line, is capped at 20 feet in height, and is excluded from building and impervious coverage calculations, but it cannot be the only use on the lot. Installing panels in a historic district additionally requires a restoration permit from the Landmarks Commission.