This bill establishes a pilot program for solar energy generation on roadside right-of-way areas in New Jersey. It defines key terms such as "roadside right-of-way," which refers to land adjacent to roadways reserved for maintenance and safety, and "roadside right-of-way solar energy project," which encompasses facilities that generate electric power from solar panels while allowing for uninterrupted road use. The Board of Public Utilities (BPU), in consultation with the Commissioner of Transportation, is tasked with adopting rules and regulations for the program within 180 days of enactment. The program will permit the construction and operation of solar energy projects with a capacity limit of 10 megawatts per project and a total capacity cap of 200 megawatts across all projects.

The bill outlines the application process for project owners, requiring them to seek approval from the BPU and the Department of Transportation before proceeding with construction. The BPU will evaluate applications based on various criteria, including traffic safety, environmental impact, and technical feasibility. Additionally, the bill mandates that the program will last for 36 months, with the possibility of extending it for up to two additional years, and it allows for the conversion of the pilot program into a permanent initiative based on its outcomes. The legislation aims to promote solar energy development while ensuring public safety and compliance with existing regulations.