Virginia Plug-In Solar Notification: What Is Confirmed and What Still Needs SCC Guidance
By PlugInSolarUS Editorial Team · Published 2026-07-15 · Updated July 2026 · 9 min read
Virginia's HB 395 establishes a framework for qualifying small portable solar devices. The SCC's publicly available page currently addresses standard net metering; this guide explains what is confirmed and what should be verified before installation.
Important update — verify the process before acting
Virginia HB 395 establishes a framework for qualifying small portable solar generation devices. However, the Virginia SCC page currently available to the public describes the standard net-metering interconnection process. PlugInSolarUS has not confirmed a published, portable-device-specific SCC notification form. Do not submit a standard net-metering form for a portable device unless the SCC or your utility specifically instructs you to do so.
What Is Confirmed
- HB 395 is Virginia's enacted framework for qualifying small portable solar generation devices.
- Qualifying-device requirements, renter protections, and any notification obligations must be read from the enacted law and current implementing guidance.
- Utility processes may differ by service territory. A customer should obtain written direction from the applicable utility or the SCC before connecting equipment to home wiring.
What Is Not Yet Confirmed by This Guide
- A public, portable-device-specific SCC notification form or submission portal.
- The exact utility submission route, response timing, and documentation checklist for each Virginia utility.
- Whether a particular device is eligible, compliant, or appropriate for a specific residence.
Practical Next Steps
- Read the final HB 395 text and confirm that your planned setup fits the statutory definition and conditions.
- Check the Virginia SCC energy-regulation page and contact your utility for current written guidance.
- If you rent, review your lease and communicate with your landlord where the law or your lease requires notice.
- Confirm all applicable electrical, product-certification, and local safety requirements before installation.
This article will be expanded when Virginia publishes a portable-device-specific process or binding utility guidance. It is educational information, not legal, electrical, or utility-interconnection advice.
Related Articles
- Virginia Plug-In Solar: A Complete Guide for Renters and Apartment Dwellers — Virginia's HB 395 establishes protections for qualifying small portable solar devices. Learn the confirmed renter protections, equipment safeguards, and the distinction between the law and SCC process guidance still being developed.
- Virginia HB 395: What the Balcony Solar Bill Means for Renters and Homeowners — Virginia Governor Spanberger signed HB 395 into law on April 22, 2026 (Chapter 1052), making Virginia the third US state to explicitly legalize plug-in solar. Here's exactly what the law does, what it doesn't do, and how much you could save.
- Behind the Bill: How Virginia Turned a Constituent Idea Into a Plug-In Solar Law — Del. Paul Krizek and Virginia climate advocate Jamie Bacon show how one constituent email about Utah’s balcony-solar law helped spark a coalition, companion bills, and a new pathway for renters and homeowners.
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Sources
- Virginia HB 395 / SB 250 — Chapter 1052, Acts of Assembly 2026
- VPM News: 'Plug-in' solar could revolutionize Virginians' at-home renewables (April 2026)
- Virtue Solar: Plug-In Solar (Balcony Solar) Is Coming to Virginia (April 2026)
- Virginia SCC: Net Metering Interconnection Notification Form (existing form for reference)