Plug-In Solar in West Virginia — Status: deferred
Bill: HB 5648 — Electric Consumer Protections and Portable Solar Provisions
Legislative Status: HB 5648 was introduced February 17, 2026. Its text included portable-solar exemptions, but it did not advance during the 2026 regular session.
Current Status: Deferred — Did not advance in the 2026 regular session
Is Plug-In Solar Legal in West Virginia?
A dedicated statewide plug-in solar pathway is not currently active in West Virginia; HB 5648 is listed as deferred. Before installing or connecting equipment, confirm current utility or interconnection rules, local code or permit requirements, property or lease conditions, outlet and electrical suitability, and the equipment listing and manufacturer instructions.
Last Updated: August 21, 2026
Key Information
| Average Electricity Rate | 12.4¢/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Savings | $135/year |
| TOU Rate Spread | 3¢/kWh |
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.2 |
| Retail Choice | none |
What You Can Do
No specific plug-in solar law. Traditional rooftop solar available. Appalachian Power offers net metering.
What You Can't Do (Yet)
Utilities require interconnection agreements for grid-tied systems.
Available Rebates & Incentives
Net metering available through Appalachian Power and Monongalia Power. No active state solar tax credit or rebate in West Virginia. The federal 30% ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.
Incentive Program Links
- DSIRE — West Virginia Solar Incentives — Full list of West Virginia state and utility solar incentive programs.
Demographics (US Census 2023)
| Population | 1,770,000 |
| Total Households | 728,655 |
| Owner-Occupied | 545,760 |
| Renter-Occupied | 182,895 |
| Single-Family Homes | 630,000 |
| Apartment Units (5+) | 67,305 |
| Median Household Income | $57,687 |
| Median Home Value | $160,200 |
Solar Resource Data (NREL PVWatts)
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.57 |
| Optimal Tilt Angle | 39° |
| Optimal Azimuth | Due South (180°) |
| Est. Annual kWh (800W system) | 975 kWh |
| Best Solar Months | May–August |
Major Utilities
| Utility | Customers | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| Appalachian Power | ~1.1 million customers | Yes |
| Mon Power | ~395,000 customers | Yes |
| Potomac Edison | ~155,000 customers | Yes |
Explore Your Next Steps in West Virginia
Use these tools and guides alongside the state-specific rules above to evaluate your space, potential savings, and the right connection approach.
- Compare every state — Return to the national tracker to compare enacted laws, pending bills, and unclear jurisdictions.
- Check your WV setup readiness — Review placement, outlet, property, and state-rule questions before choosing equipment.
- Estimate savings in West Virginia — Use your location and setup assumptions to estimate bill savings and storage value.
- Understand off-grid and grid-connected use — Separate truly off-grid or portable solar from equipment that connects to a building circuit or utility grid.