Is plug-in solar legal in Virginia?
Not yet. HB 395 / SB 250 (2026 cc. 1052, 998) has been signed and takes effect on 1 Jan 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 1 Jan 2027. Until then, your utility's normal rules apply.
- In force from
- 1 Jan 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 22 Apr 2026.
- Certification
- NRTL (29 CFR 1910.7); current NEC; outage protection
- Landlord
- Landlords with more than 4 units can't prohibit an exterior install; reasonable restrictions; tenant gives 7 days' notice with documentation. Not for RUBS-billed units.
- HOA
- Not verified yet
- 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.
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.
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: Landlords with more than 4 units can't prohibit an exterior install; reasonable restrictions; tenant gives 7 days' notice with documentation. Not for RUBS-billed units.
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.