Plug-in solar in Virginia
Law passed, not yet in effect Checked November 10, 2026
Virginia's law takes effect January 1, 2027. You can use one or more plug-in devices up to 1,200 watts per home, but you must file a short notice form with your utility first. Larger landlords cannot ban them outright, but HOA covenants still apply.
Effective date: January 1, 2027
The law
| Bill | Stage | Last action | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| HB 395 Electric utilities; small portable solar generation devices, local regulation Acts of Assembly Chapter 1052 | Signed into law | Approved by Governor - Chapter 1052 (effective - see bill) (April 22, 2026) | Signed: April 22, 2026 Effective: January 1, 2027 |
| SB 250 Electric utilities; small portable solar generation devices, local regulation Acts of Assembly Chapter 998 | Signed into law | Approved by Governor - Chapter 998 (Effective - see bill) (April 22, 2026) | Signed: April 22, 2026 Effective: January 1, 2027 |
The rules
| Rule | What the law says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum size (output) | 1,200 W Maximum power output of not more than 1,200 watts per customer or, in multi-family housing, per residential unit (Va. Code 56-596.7(A)). | Source |
| Panel (DC) limit | No limit set The law caps output only. | Source |
| Plug-in batteries | Not mentioned in the law The law does not mention batteries. | Source |
| Tell your utility? | Yes, before installing You must notify your electric service provider on the SCC form before installing. The provider has 15 days to review; if it does not respond, you may install (56-596.7(B)). The utility may install an automatic locking disconnect switch if there is more than one device at a property or the circuit requires it (56-596.7(C)). | Source |
| Utility approval needed? | No No provider may require approval, fees, or extra equipment (56-596.7(B)). | Source |
| Renters and landlords | Tenant protections A landlord who owns more than four rental units may not ban a device on the exterior of the tenant's premises, but may set reasonable size, place and manner rules. Tenants give 7 days' notice with documentation. Not available in units billed by ratio utility billing (55.1-1212.1). | Source |
| HOAs and condo associations | HOA rules still apply The law expressly does not override HOA, condominium or cooperative governing documents (15.2-2288.7(F)). Localities may not prohibit devices on residential structures, subject to setbacks and historic districts (15.2-2288.7(E)). | Source |
| Safety certification required | Certified by UL or an equivalent lab Certified by an NRTL (29 C.F.R. 1910.7) or equivalent and compliant with the NEC. Devices with 391 watts or less to the outlet are exempt from listing provisions that would require alterations (56-596.7(A)). | Source |
| Net metering | Excluded Devices are excluded from the net energy metering provisions (56-596.7(B); 56-594). | Source |
What's next
January 1, 2027: the law takes effect. The SCC notification form was due by September 1, 2026, and a state work group report on safety standards by November 15, 2026.
Kits in Virginia
| Kit | AC output | UL 3700 | Fit in Virginia |
|---|---|---|---|
| APsystems EZ1-LV plug-in microinverter | 900 W | Certified (certificate seen), component only | Likely compatible: confirm with seller certificate |
| EcoFlow STREAM Microinverter | 1,200 W | Unknown | Listing claimed, no certificate seen maker’s claim |
| EcoFlow STREAM Microinverter + 2 x 400W Rigid Solar Panels | 1,200 W | Unknown | Listing claimed, no certificate seen maker’s claim |
| Hoymiles HiFlow Pro LV HMS-391-1WM-LV | 391 W | Claimed by maker, not verified | Listing claimed, no certificate seen maker’s claim |
| Hoymiles HiFlow Pro LV HMS-420-1WM-LV | 420 W | Claimed by maker, not verified | Listing claimed, no certificate seen maker’s claim |
| Bright Saver Balcony Solar Kit, 180 W | Not stated | Not certified | Listing claimed, no certificate seen maker’s claim Output not stated, but its panels total 180 W, so it cannot exceed the limit. |
| Bright Saver Balcony Solar Kit, 360 W | Not stated | Not certified | Listing claimed, no certificate seen maker’s claim Output not stated, but its panels total 360 W, so it cannot exceed the limit. |
| CraftStrom 800 Watt Plug&Play Solar | 700 W (estimated) | Unknown | Listing claimed, no certificate seen maker’s claim |
| CraftStrom 1200 Watt Plug&Play Solar | 1,050 W (estimated) | Unknown | Listing claimed, no certificate seen maker’s claim |
| EcoFlow STREAM Ultra | 800 W | Unknown | No certification evidence found |
What these labels mean
- Likely compatible: confirm with seller
- Within the size limit, and we have seen a lab certificate for the kit’s inverter. The law asks for lab certification without naming a standard, so confirm with the seller that the whole kit qualifies.
- Listing claimed, no certificate seen
- The maker says the product is lab-listed (for example to UL 1741), but we have not seen a certificate.
- No certification evidence found
- We found no certificate and no claim for the certification this state requires.
What could it save?
For an 800 W panel kit at Virginia's average residential price of 16.64¢/kWh (September 2025 – August 2026 (12 months)):
- Ideal tilt (20°, south)
- 1,082 kWh a year: about $124 typical (69% used at home), up to $180 best case (100%)
- Vertical railing (90°, south)
- 694 kWh a year: about $80 typical (69% used at home), up to $115 best case (100%)
"Typical" uses HTW Berlin's model for an 800 W system without a battery; exports are assumed to earn nothing. Solar data: NREL PVWatts for Richmond (capital). Try your own numbers · Is it worth it? · Railing vs tilted
Price source: EIA residential average, September 2025 – August 2026 (12 months).
Questions
Is plug-in solar legal in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia's law takes effect January 1, 2027. You can use one or more plug-in devices up to 1,200 watts per home, but you must file a short notice form with your utility first. Larger landlords cannot ban them outright, but HOA covenants still apply.
How big can a plug-in solar system be in Virginia?
Maximum power output of not more than 1,200 watts per customer or, in multi-family housing, per residential unit (Va. Code 56-596.7(A)).
Do I have to tell my utility in Virginia?
Yes, before installing. You must notify your electric service provider on the SCC form before installing. The provider has 15 days to review; if it does not respond, you may install (56-596.7(B)). The utility may install an automatic locking disconnect switch if there is more than one device at a property or the circuit requires it (56-596.7(C)).
Can my landlord stop me from using plug-in solar in Virginia?
A landlord who owns more than four rental units may not ban a device on the exterior of the tenant's premises, but may set reasonable size, place and manner rules. Tenants give 7 days' notice with documentation. Not available in units billed by ratio utility billing (55.1-1212.1).
What certification does a kit need in Virginia?
Certified by an NRTL (29 C.F.R. 1910.7) or equivalent and compliant with the NEC. Devices with 391 watts or less to the outlet are exempt from listing provisions that would require alterations (56-596.7(A)).
Which kits are confirmed to qualify in Virginia?
None yet. We have not seen a certificate covering a complete kit, so no kit is marked compatible in Virginia.
Neighbouring states
- District of Columbia: Bill active
- Kentucky: No bill found
- Maryland: Law in effect
- North Carolina: Bill active
- Tennessee: No bill found
- West Virginia: Bill failed or died
Related: is it worth it? · railing vs tilted panels · renters guide · all kits · Certification watch · how we verify
Sources
- Virginia LIS: HB395 (2026 Regular Session) bill details (Legislature bill page; accessed November 10, 2026)
- Virginia LIS: SB250 (2026 Regular Session) bill details (Legislature bill page; accessed November 10, 2026)
- Acts of Assembly Chapter 1052 (HB 395), chaptered text (Law text; accessed November 10, 2026) SB 250 (Chapter 998) is identical per LIS summary.
This page is general information, not legal or electrical advice. Laws change and utilities differ. Check the linked official sources, your lease or HOA rules, and your utility before you buy or install anything. Full disclaimer.