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Plug-in solar law passed

Virginia balcony solar law

Published by ChoiscoLast verified

Quick answer

Yes, starting January 1, 2027. Virginia allows plug-in solar up to 1,200 watts per home with no utility approval or fees, but you must file a simple notice form with your utility before installing. Landlords with more than four rental units cannot ban tenants from using one; HOA rules are not overridden.

The rules, line by line

Each line shows what we checked and where. Labels explained in our methodology.

Law
HB 395 (Acts of Assembly ch. 1052), with identical companion SB 250 (ch. 998)Verified
Source: Virginia LIS, HB 395
Signed
April 22, 2026 (chaptered)Verified
Source: Virginia LIS, HB 395
In effect
January 1, 2027Verified

Some websites say July 1, 2026. The enacted text says January 1, 2027.

Source: Virginia HB 395, enrolled text
Maximum size
1,200 W per customer, or per unit in multi-family housingVerified
Source: Virginia HB 395, enrolled text
Utility approval or notice
No approval, but you must submit the State Corporation Commission form to your utility before installing. The utility has 15 days to review; if it does not respond, you may install.Verified
Source: Virginia HB 395, enrolled text
Fees
None. The utility may install an automatic locking disconnect switch where more than one device is at a property or the circuit requires it.Verified
Source: Virginia HB 395, enrolled text
Required certification
Certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (29 C.F.R. 1910.7); must meet the latest National Electrical Code; must not export during an outage. Devices of 391 W or less are exempt only from listing rules that would require building alterations, not from certification.Verified
Source: Virginia HB 395, enrolled text
Outlet and wiring
An electrical outletVerified
Source: Virginia HB 395, enrolled text
Renters and landlords
Landlords who own more than four rental units may not ban a tenant from installing one on the outside of the tenant's unit, but may set reasonable size, place and manner limits. The tenant gives 7 days' notice with documentation.Verified
Source: Virginia HB 395, enrolled text
HOAs
Not overridden. The law says it does not change recorded covenants, condo instruments or HOA declarations. Localities may not ban devices on homes.Verified

Some websites say Virginia blocks HOA bans. The enacted text says the opposite.

Source: Virginia HB 395, enrolled text
Pay for power sent to the grid
None. Excluded from net metering.Verified
Source: Virginia HB 395, enrolled text

All facts above last checked Oct. 2, 2026.

Products that mention Virginia

  • Bright Saver Balcony Solar Kit: Ships only to Utah, Virginia, Colorado, Maryland, Connecticut, New Hampshire and New Jersey. Says it cannot ship to California yet, pending whole-system UL 3700 certification.

These are the makers' own statements; check each product against the requirements above. See the kit tracker.

Open questions we are tracking

  • The State Corporation Commission notice form was due Sept. 1, 2026; we are reviewing it.
  • A state safety work group reports by Nov. 15, 2026 and could recommend changes.

Sources

Timeline

  1. April 22, 2026
    HB 395 and SB 250 chaptered.

Get Virginia updates

One email when the rules change or a qualifying kit becomes available in Virginia.

This page explains the law in plain English. Your utility, local codes, lease or HOA may add requirements. Estimate your savings with the calculator.