Home › Laws by state › Virginia
Is plug-in solar legal in Virginia?
- Introduced
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Signed
- In effect (2027-01-01)
What this means for you
✓ What you can do
- Plan and buy now; from January 1, 2027 a certified kit of up to 1,200 W plugs in without an interconnection agreement.
- Use the ordinary interconnection process, or an off-grid portable kit, in the meantime.
- Expect landlord and HOA protection once in force: Landlords with >4 units may not prohibit exterior installation; reasonable size/place/manner limits; 7-day tenant notice; RUBS units excluded; localities may not prohibit (LIS summary).
✕ Not yet / not allowed
- Plug in under the new law before January 1, 2027; today the utility interconnection rules still apply.
- Get paid for exported power under the new law.
- Assume every kit qualifies: the law requires the certification shown above.
What the rules say
Virginia's law takes effect January 1, 2027: up to 1,200 W per customer (or per unit in multifamily housing), NRTL-certified, plugged into an outlet. You must notify your utility on the SCC form before installing; the utility has 15 days to respond and silence counts as approval. Landlords with more than four units cannot ban exterior installation.
Before you plug in: Virginia checklist
- Wait for January 1, 2027. Until then the utility's normal interconnection rules still apply.
- Keep the system at or under 1,200 W of inverter output; at or under 391 W you also avoid the wiring and listing rules that apply to bigger units.
- Buy a kit whose certification matches the law (UL / NRTL listed). Check the label, not the marketing copy.
- Tell your utility: Before you install. Mandatory BEFORE installation using SCC-established form (online or mail); 15-day utility review; deemed met if no response.
- Renting or in an HOA? Landlords with >4 units may not prohibit exterior installation; reasonable size/place/manner limits; 7-day tenant notice; RUBS units excluded; localities may not prohibit (LIS summary).
- Plug into a wall outlet, never an extension cord or power strip, and keep shared-circuit kits under about 400 W.
The rules in detail
| Law | HB 395 / SB 250: Plug-in solar devices (Va. Code § 56-596.8) |
|---|---|
| Signed | April 22, 2026 |
| Effective | January 1, 2027 |
| Max system size | 1,200 W |
| Certification | Certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory as described in 29 C.F.R. 1910.7 or equivalent; most recent NEC; anti-export feature. |
| Utility notice / approval | Mandatory BEFORE installation using SCC-established form (online or mail); 15-day utility review; deemed met if no response. |
| Permit / electrician | <=391 W to receptacle exempt from product listing provisions requiring alterations to premises, wiring or panels. |
| Exported power | Not subject to interconnection, net energy metering or reimbursement provisions. |
| Renters & HOAs | Landlords with >4 units may not prohibit exterior installation; reasonable size/place/manner limits; 7-day tenant notice; RUBS units excluded; localities may not prohibit (LIS summary). |
| Avg. electricity price | 17.55¢ per kWh |
- Sponsor: Del. Paul Krizek; Sen. Scott Surovell.
- Outlet / circuit: electrical outlet, customer side of meter; utility may install automatic locking disconnect where >1 device or circuit requires.
- Utility liability: IOUs, municipal utilities and cooperatives not liable for damage, injury or service interruption (56-596.8(E)).
- Still pending: SCC must develop/publish notification form; Secretary of Commerce and Trade work group on safety standards (deadlines Sept 1, 2026 / Nov 15, 2026 reported only by secondary sources).
Legislative background
- Dominion/APCo stance not reported.
Savings preview: 800 W kit in Virginia
Adjust for your setup →≈ $155/year
Frequently asked questions
Is plug-in solar legal in Virginia?
Almost. Virginia signed a plug-in solar law (HB 395 / SB 250) that takes effect on January 1, 2027, allowing systems up to 1,200 W.
Do I need a permit or electrician for plug-in solar in Virginia?
Not required by the law. The statute says: <=391 W to receptacle exempt from product listing provisions requiring alterations to premises, wiring or panels. A dedicated circuit is still a sensible safety practice.
Do I have to tell my utility in Virginia?
Before you install. Mandatory BEFORE installation using SCC-established form (online or mail); 15-day utility review; deemed met if no response.
What can an 800 W plug-in kit save in Virginia?
Roughly 883 kWh and about $155 per year at Virginia's average residential rate of 17.55¢/kWh, assuming a typical balcony or patio mount. See the calculator for your exact setup.
Can my landlord or HOA stop me in Virginia?
Landlords with >4 units may not prohibit exterior installation; reasonable size/place/manner limits; 7-day tenant notice; RUBS units excluded; localities may not prohibit (LIS summary).