Is balcony (plug-in) solar legal in Virginia?
Not yet. HB 395 / SB 250 (2026 cc. 1052, 998) has been signed and takes effect on Jan 1, 2027. Until then, your utility's normal rules for connecting solar apply.
Virginia law
Signed, not in force yetState law: signed, and takes effect on Jan 1, 2027. Until then, your utility's normal rules apply.
- In force from
- Jan 1, 2027
- Size cap
- 1,200 W (maximum power output per customer (per unit in multi-family); ≤391 W exempt from wiring-alteration listing rules)
- Law
- HB 395 / SB 250 (2026 cc. 1052, 998)
- Progress
- Signed on Apr 22, 2026.
- Certification
- NRTL (29 CFR 1910.7); current NEC; outage protection
- Landlord
- From Jan 1, 2027: A landlord who owns more than 4 rental units (or more than a 10% interest in more than 4) can't prohibit a tenant from installing a device on the exterior of the tenant's premises, but may set reasonable restrictions on size, place and manner of placement, and may prohibit or restrict it elsewhere on the premises. The tenant gives at least 7 days' notice with documentation that the device qualifies and its proposed location. The tenant is liable for damage. Not for units on a ratio utility billing system (RUBS), and no alterations to the premises, wiring or panels without the landlord's express written approval (§ 55.1-1212.1). Renting? Landlord and HOA rules by state →
- HOA
- Not overridden: the law says it doesn't supersede HOA covenants or condo instruments (§ 15.2-2288.7(F)). Localities can't prohibit a device, subject to height, setback and historic-district rules (§ 15.2-2288.7(E)).
- Tell your utility?
- Required before installing, on the SCC form. Utility has 15 days; no response = deemed met.
- Export credit
- None — exempt from net energy metering.
Every plug-in solar law starting on Jan 1, 2027, state by state →
More about plug-in solar in Virginia
How big a plug-in solar kit is allowed in Virginia?
State law: up to 1,200 W (maximum power output per customer (per unit in multi-family); ≤391 W exempt from wiring-alteration listing rules).
What certification does a kit need in Virginia?
State law: NRTL (29 CFR 1910.7); current NEC; outage protection. How to check a kit →
Do I need to tell my utility in Virginia?
State law: Required before installing, on the SCC form. Utility has 15 days; no response = deemed met.
Can a landlord or HOA stop plug-in solar in Virginia?
State law. Landlords: From Jan 1, 2027: A landlord who owns more than 4 rental units (or more than a 10% interest in more than 4) can't prohibit a tenant from installing a device on the exterior of the tenant's premises, but may set reasonable restrictions on size, place and manner of placement, and may prohibit or restrict it elsewhere on the premises. The tenant gives at least 7 days' notice with documentation that the device qualifies and its proposed location. The tenant is liable for damage. Not for units on a ratio utility billing system (RUBS), and no alterations to the premises, wiring or panels without the landlord's express written approval (§ 55.1-1212.1). HOAs: Not overridden: the law says it doesn't supersede HOA covenants or condo instruments (§ 15.2-2288.7(F)). Localities can't prohibit a device, subject to height, setback and historic-district rules (§ 15.2-2288.7(E)).
Do I get paid for power a plug-in kit sends to the grid in Virginia?
State law: None — exempt from net energy metering.
How much would a plug-in solar kit save in Virginia?
It depends on which way the panels face, their tilt, how much of the power your home uses as it is made, and your utility's rate. The average residential electricity price in Virginia was 16.6¢/kWh (our 12-month average of EIA data, Aug 2025–Jul 2026). The calculator on canipluginsolar.com models it hour by hour for your address.
Before you buy a kit in Virginia
Neighboring states
Planning a kit in Virginia? Get your step-by-step checklist, from the law's own wording.
Renting in Virginia? Write a letter to your landlord, matched to Virginia's rules.
Guides: Renting? What each state's plug-in solar law says about landlords and HOAs
A federal bill (H.R. 10851) would also require every state to consider plug-in rules; Virginia already has its own law. H.R. 10851 on congress.gov.