Plug-in solar rules in Virginia

Is plug-in solar allowed in Virginia?

HB 395 / SB 250 (2026 Acts ch. 1052 and 998), § 56-596.8 has been passed and takes effect on January 1, 2027.

How much power can I connect?

Up to 1,200 W of inverter output per home.

What do I need to do?

Check these requirements before you connect a kit.

• Certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory and meets the current National Electrical Code; cannot export power during an outage. Kits of 391 W or less are exempt from listing provisions that would require rewiring.
• You must notify the utility before connecting.

Can a landlord or HOA stop me?

Renters have some protection. Homeowners associations (HOAs) can set their own rules.

Will I be paid for power I export?

No. There is no payment for power sent to the grid, so savings come from the electricity you use yourself.

Other details

Before installation, fill in the State Corporation Commission's notification form (Form SPGDN) and submit it to your utility. You may install once any gaps it finds are fixed or after 15 days without a response; submit the form again if you remove or replace the kit. Landlords with more than four rental units cannot prohibit kits; tenants give the landlord 7 days' notice. Homeowner association rules still apply. Kits are excluded from net metering.