Virginia

HB 395 / SB 250 (Chapter 1052) — Plug-In Solar Devices — Consumer Protection Act

Permitted

Current Status

Last verified: March 2026

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.

Sponsored by: Del. Paul Krizek (HB 395); Sen. Scott Surovell (SB 250)

Legislation Progress

Enacted — Signed into Law

100%

pipeline complete

Introduced

In Committee

Passed Committee

One Chamber

Both Chambers

Gov. Desk

Enacted

Expected Timeline

Effective July 1, 2026 for most provisions. SCC notification form and safety work group provisions effective January 1, 2027.

Virginia Solar Data

Avg. Electricity Rate13.9¢/kWh

TOU Peak Spread

5¢/kWh

Est. Annual Savings

~$180/yr

Last UpdatedMarch 2026

Calculate VA Savings

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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.

Effective Date	January 1, 2027 (Effective - see bill)
Wattage Limit	1,200W AC output
UL 3700	Referenced
Permit	Required
Utility Approval	Waived (notification required)
UL 3700 Details	Referenced but not required
HOA / Deed	Prevents localities from prohibiting small portable solar generation devices on residential structures, provided requirements are met.
Renters	Allows tenants to install small portable solar generation devices and prevents landlords from prohibiting such installation under certain circumstances.
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.

What Makes This State Unique

Virginia is one of the first states to legalize plug-in solar, removing interconnection red tape and waiving utility approval (requiring only notification).

Notable Gaps

The law bans power export, which necessitates a zero export device and an electrician for installation, potentially hindering true 'plug-and-play' simplicity.

What This Means for You

What You Can Do

Once signed and effective: self-install up to 1,200W without utility approval. Landlords and HOAs cannot prohibit qualifying systems.

Current Limitations

Not yet signed or effective. Currently, Virginia utilities require interconnection agreements.

Official Bill Reference

Enacted — Signed by Governor Spanberger on April 22, 2026 (Chapter 1052, effective July 1, 2026)

View Full Bill Text — HB 395 / SB 250 (Chapter 1052)

Opens official state legislature website in a new tab.

Virginia Solar Data

Avg. Electricity Rate13.9¢/kWh

TOU Peak Spread

5¢/kWh

Est. Annual Savings

~$180/yr

Last UpdatedMarch 2026

A 5¢/kWh TOU spread offers modest peak-shifting value. Battery storage adds some savings here, but the primary benefit is backup power during outages.

Calculate VA Savings

Get Notified

Virginia Legislation Alert

Be the first to know when Virginia's plug-in solar bill advances, passes, or is signed into law.

No spam — only legislation updates for Virginia. Unsubscribe anytime.

This information is for educational purposes only. Laws change frequently. Consult a local attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.

Virginia State Overview

Key data on solar potential, demographics, utilities, and incentives.

Solar Resource

Peak Sun Hours	4.35 hrs/day
Optimal Tilt	38°
Best Facing	Due South (180°)
Est. Annual Output (800W)	1,105 kWh/yr
Best Months	June-August

High humidity and salt-laden air in coastal areas can increase soiling rates on panels, reducing output by 2-5%.

Major Utilities

Dominion Energy ~3.6 million customers (VA, NC, SC)	Net metering
Appalachian Power ~1 million customers (VA, WV, TN)	Net metering
Rappahannock Electric Cooperative ~184,000 connections	Net metering
Central Virginia Electric Cooperative ~39,000 accounts	Net metering

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 Income

$87,249

Median Home Value

$357,100

33% of Virginia households are renter-occupied — approximately 1,110,696 households that could benefit from plug-in solar without owning their home.

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.

Program Links

Virginia Net Energy Metering — State CodeResidential systems up to 20 kW eligible for net metering bill credits.

Virginia RECs — State Corporation CommissionEarn and sell Renewable Energy Certificates for solar generation.

Virginia Local Property Tax Exemption — State CodeMany VA localities exempt solar equipment from local property tax — check your county.

DSIRE — Virginia Solar IncentivesFull list of Virginia state and utility solar incentive programs.

Virginia has limited retail electricity choice. Some customers in certain utility territories may be able to access plug-in solar through an energy provider bundle.

Learn about REP partner offers →

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