Is balcony solar legal in Virginia?
Soon. Virginia's plug-in solar law takes effect January 1, 2027.
Up to 1,200 W per customer; in multifamily buildings the limit applies per unit. Signed in April 2026. The statute takes effect January 1, 2027.
- Size limit
- 1,200 W
- Utility notice
- Form before installing
- Electricity price
- 16.9¢/kWh
- 800 W kit payback
- 6.2 years
The law at a glance
| Status | Signed, not yet in effect |
|---|---|
| Bill | HB 395 / SB 250 (2026 Acts chapters 998 and 1052) |
| Where it lives in law | Code of Virginia §56-596.8 |
| Signed | April 2026 |
| Effective | January 1, 2027 |
| Size limit | Up to 1,200 W per customer; in multifamily buildings the limit applies per unit |
| Certification | Certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (29 C.F.R. §1910.7) and compliant with the current National Electrical Code. Devices with 391 W or less output to the receptacle are exempt from product-listing provisions that would require alterations to the premises wiring or panel. |
What your utility can and can't require
- You must notify your electric provider on the State Corporation Commission form before installing.
- The provider has 15 days to flag deficiencies; if it does not respond, notification is complete and you may install.
- No utility approval is required and no fee may be charged.
Renters, landlords and HOAs
- Excludes rental units billed through a ratio utility billing system (RUBS) as defined in §55.1-1212.
- The section does not address homeowner associations.
Other requirements
- Must plug into an outlet on the customer side of the meter and stop exporting during an outage.
What a balcony kit would save in Virginia
Virginia's average residential price was 16.9¢ per kWh for January–August 2026, below the US average of 18.2¢ and up 13% from the same months of 2025 (EIA). That ranks 21 of 51 for price.
| 800 W kit, $700 | kWh per year | Savings per year | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanging on a south-facing railing | 793 | $112 | 6.2 years |
| Hanging on an east- or west-facing railing | 632 | $98 | 7.1 years |
| Tilted 35° on a stand, facing south | 1222 | $150 | 4.7 years |
Assumes a 300 W always-on household load and 5.01 peak sun hours (NREL data for Virginia's largest city). How we calculate.
Before you buy
- Confirm the law is in effect on the day you plan to install.
- Choose a kit certified to the standard Virginia names. See UL 3700 explained.
- Check your lease or HOA rules. See renters and HOAs.
- Pick an outlet on a circuit without heavy loads. See safety.
- Send your utility any required notice before plugging in.
Common questions
Is plug-in solar legal in Virginia?
Soon. Virginia's plug-in solar law takes effect January 1, 2027. Up to 1,200 W per customer; in multifamily buildings the limit applies per unit. Signed in April 2026. The statute takes effect January 1, 2027. Status checked October 29, 2026.
What is the wattage limit for balcony solar in Virginia?
Up to 1,200 W per customer; in multifamily buildings the limit applies per unit.
Do I need to tell my utility in Virginia?
You must notify your electric provider on the State Corporation Commission form before installing. The provider has 15 days to flag deficiencies; if it does not respond, notification is complete and you may install. No utility approval is required and no fee may be charged.
Can renters install balcony solar in Virginia?
Excludes rental units billed through a ratio utility billing system (RUBS) as defined in §55.1-1212. The section does not address homeowner associations.
How much would balcony solar save in Virginia?
At Virginia's average residential price of 16.9¢/kWh, an 800 W kit hanging on a south-facing railing would save about $112 a year in our model, paying back a $700 kit in about 6.2 years. East- or west-facing railings save about $98.
Sources for Virginia
Found something out of date? Email hiruben@gmail.com. We log fixes on the corrections page. This page is general information, not legal advice.