Virginia renters can plug in balcony solar panels starting in 2027

Starting January 1, 2027, you can use a certified small solar kit connected through an electrical outlet. It generates power for your home and lowers how much electricity you buy. A device may produce up to 1,200 watts per customer or, in multifamily housing, per unit. It must meet national safety standards and prevent exporting power or affecting the building’s electrical system during an outage.

Before installing, send the State Corporation Commission’s notice form to your utility. The utility has 15 days to flag incomplete or inaccurate information; you may install after fixing any deficiency or after 15 days without a response. The utility cannot charge a device-related fee, require an interconnection agreement, or require approval. The device is not eligible for net metering, so it saves money only on power you use as it is made.

If you rent from a landlord who owns more than four Virginia rental units, the landlord generally cannot ban a device on your unit’s exterior, but can set reasonable size and placement rules. This protection does not cover units with ratio utility billing, and alterations require the landlord’s express written approval. Give the landlord at least seven days’ notice; you are responsible for damage.

Del. Paul Krizek and Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell carried matching bills. Del. Jessica Anderson’s HB 289 and Del. Alfonso Lopez’s HB 928 were folded into Krizek’s bill, while climate advocate Jamie Bacon lobbied Krizek to move the legislation forward. Both chambers passed it with votes from both parties. Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed it after lawmakers accepted her amendments.