Plug-in solar in Virginia

When does Virginia's law take effect?

It is enacted (signed April 22, 2026). Its consumer-facing plug-in-solar provisions take effect January 1, 2027; some earlier duties operate before that, including the State Corporation Commission publishing the required notification form by September 1, 2026 and a safety-standards work group. Until January 1, 2027 the consumer route is not yet in force.

Do you have to notify the utility before installing?

Yes. The customer must notify the electric service provider by submitting the Commission's form, online or by mail, before installation. The provider has 15 days to review it, and may not require approval or a fee.

What is the limit, and how does it work in an apartment?

The limit is 1,200 W, measured per customer, or per residential unit in multi-family housing. The device must also include a feature preventing export to the grid during an outage.

What certification does Virginia require?

Certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, as described in 29 C.F.R. 1910.7, meeting the most recent National Electrical Code. Devices with output to the receptacle of 391 W or less are exempt from the product-listing provisions.

What NRTL certification means →

What does the law do for renters and local rules?

Virginia adds two protections. A landlord who owns more than four rental dwelling units may not prohibit a tenant from installing a small portable solar generation device on the exterior of the tenant's premises, subject to reasonable restrictions on size, placement and manner (§ 55.1-1212.1). A locality may not prohibit these devices on residential structures (§ 15.2-2288.7). Qualifying devices are also excluded from net metering.

Plug-in solar for apartments and renters →