Plug-In Solar in Virginia — Legal
Bill: HB 395 / SB 250 (Chapter 1052) — Plug-In Solar Devices — Consumer Protection Act
Sponsor: Del. Paul Krizek (HB 395); Sen. Scott Surovell (SB 250)
Legislative Status: Signed into law by Governor Spanberger on April 22, 2026 as Chapter 1052. HB 395 passed House 99-0 (concurrence vote) and Senate 28-11 on Governor's recommended amendments. Virginia is now the third US state to explicitly legalize plug-in solar.
Current Status: Enacted — Signed by Governor Spanberger on April 22, 2026 (Chapter 1052, effective July 1, 2026)
Last Updated: May 2026
Key Information
| Average Electricity Rate | 16.4¢/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Savings | $210/year |
| TOU Rate Spread | 5¢/kWh |
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.5 |
| Retail Choice | limited |
Key Provisions
Allows residents to install and operate certified plug-in solar systems without utility approval, interconnection requirements, or additional fees. Prohibits localities and landlords from banning self-installed systems. Limits systems to 1,200 watts. Effective July 1, 2026 (most provisions); SCC notification form and safety work group provisions effective January 1, 2027.
Law Provisions
| Effective Date | July 1, 2026 (most provisions); January 1, 2027 (SCC notification form and safety work group) |
| Wattage Limit | 1,200W AC output |
| UL 3700 | referenced — Referenced but not required |
| HOA Provision | Prevents localities from prohibiting small portable solar generation devices on residential structures, provided requirements are met. |
| Renter Provision | Allows tenants to install small portable solar generation devices and prevents landlords from prohibiting such installation under certain circumstances. |
| Utility Approval | Waived (notification required) |
| Permit Required | Required |
| Backfeed/Net Metering | Small portable solar generation devices are excluded from net metering programs. Power export is banned, requiring a zero export device to be installed. |
| Key Differences | Virginia is one of the first states to legalize plug-in solar, removing interconnection red tape and waiving utility approval (requiring only notification). |
| Notable Omissions | The law bans power export, which necessitates a zero export device and an electrician for installation, potentially hindering true 'plug-and-play' simplicity. |
What You Can Do
Self-install up to 1,200W without utility approval (effective July 1, 2026). Landlords and HOAs cannot prohibit qualifying systems. No interconnection agreement required for qualifying devices.
What You Can't Do (Yet)
Systems over 1,200W still require standard interconnection. Power export is banned (zero-export inverter required). Does not override building code permit requirements for structural modifications.
Available Rebates & Incentives
Virginia net metering allows bill credits for excess solar generation (residential systems up to 20 kW). Local property tax exemptions for solar available in many Virginia localities. Virginia RECs can be sold through aggregators. No active utility rebate from Dominion Energy or APCo for residential solar in 2026. The federal 30% ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.
Incentive Program Links
- Virginia Net Energy Metering — State Code — Residential systems up to 20 kW eligible for net metering bill credits.
- Virginia RECs — State Corporation Commission — Earn and sell Renewable Energy Certificates for solar generation.
- Virginia Local Property Tax Exemption — State Code — Many VA localities exempt solar equipment from local property tax — check your county.
- DSIRE — Virginia Solar Incentives — Full list of Virginia state and utility solar incentive programs.
Demographics (US Census 2023)
| Population | 8,880,107 |
| Total Households | 3,365,732 |
| Owner-Occupied | 2,255,036 |
| Renter-Occupied | 1,110,696 |
| Single-Family Homes | 2,269,921 |
| Apartment Units (5+) | 70,318 |
| Median Household Income | $87,249 |
| Median Home Value | $357,100 |
Solar Resource Data (NREL PVWatts)
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.35 |
| Optimal Tilt Angle | 38° |
| Optimal Azimuth | Due South (180°) |
| Est. Annual kWh (800W system) | 1105 kWh |
| Best Solar Months | June-August |
Major Utilities
| Utility | Customers | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| Dominion Energy | ~3.6 million customers (VA, NC, SC) | Yes |
| Appalachian Power | ~1 million customers (VA, WV, TN) | Yes |
| Rappahannock Electric Cooperative | ~184,000 connections | Yes |
| Central Virginia Electric Cooperative | ~39,000 accounts | Yes |
News Coverage
- Virginia HB 395 signed into law — Chapter 1052 (effective July 1, 2026) — Virginia LIS (April 22, 2026)
- Virginia legislature passes balcony solar bill — House 96-0 — Utility Dive (March 12, 2026)
- Virginia plug-in solar panels near approval by General Assembly — Virginia Mercury (March 10, 2026)
- Bill allowing balcony solar kits in Virginia awaits governor's signature — WTOP News (March 2026)
- Balcony solar and why it's an important part of the energy mix — Third Act Virginia (March 29, 2026)
- Virginia set to enact laws for cleaner, cheaper power — Canary Media (March 26, 2026)