Do I need to tell Dominion Energy or my co-op?

Yes. Submit the State Corporation Commission's notification form before you install. The utility has 15 days to review it; if it doesn't respond, you can install.

Can my Virginia landlord stop me?

Not if they own more than four rental units. They can set reasonable rules on size and placement, and you must give at least 7 days' notice.

Will my utility pay me for extra power?

No. Plug-in devices are excluded from net metering.

Can the utility add equipment?

With more than one device at a property, or if the circuit requires it, the utility may install an automatic locking disconnect switch.

Is it legal right now?

Not until January 1, 2027. Until then, a battery-only setup that never connects to your home wiring is the safe option.

Is Balcony Solar Legal in Virginia?

Yes, from January 1, 2027. Virginia's HB 395 became law as Chapter 1052 on April 22, 2026. You can plug in up to 1,200 watts per customer without a utility interconnection agreement, approval or fees, but you must send your utility a short notification form before you install.

Virginia balcony solar at a glance

Status	✅ Signed (not in effect yet)
Bill	HB 395 / SB 250, Del. Paul Krizek (chief patron)
Signed	April 22, 2026
Effective	January 1, 2027
Size limit	1,200 W per customer (per unit in multi-family housing)
Utility interconnection agreement	Not required
Utility fees	Not allowed
Certification	Certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory; must meet the National Electrical Code
Renter / HOA rules	Landlords with more than four rental units can't ban it on the outside of your unit, but can set reasonable size, place and placement rules (7 days' notice required)
Last checked	October 28, 2026

What Chapter 1052 (HB 395) actually does

Up to 1,200 W of output per customer, or per unit in multi-family housing.
No interconnection agreement, utility approval, fees or extra equipment. You do have to submit the State Corporation Commission's notification form, online or by mail, before you install.
The utility has 15 days to review the form. If it doesn't respond in that time, you're treated as having notified and can install.
Certified hardware: the device must be certified by a nationally recognized testing lab, meet the National Electrical Code and stop sending power to the building during an outage. Devices of 391 W or less are exempt from listing rules that would require changes to the building's wiring.
With more than one device at a property, or where the circuit requires it, the utility may install an automatic locking disconnect switch.
Not part of net metering, so you don't get credits for power sent to the grid.
Renters: landlords with more than four rental units can't ban a device on the outside of your unit. Give at least 7 days' notice with proof the device qualifies and where it will go. You're responsible for any damage.
Doesn't apply to units billed through a ratio utility billing system, or to installs that need wiring changes without the landlord's written approval.

Can I use balcony solar before January 1, 2027?

Not as a grid-connected plug-in system with the new law's protections. Until then your utility's normal interconnection rules still apply. What you can do now:

Pick a kit that's UL-certified so it qualifies on day one.
Measure your balcony or railing and check how many hours of direct sun it gets.
Use a panel with a portable power station (battery only, not plugged into your wiring). That setup never connects to the grid, so interconnection rules don't apply.

Renters, landlords and HOAs in Virginia

Landlords with more than four rental units can't ban it on the outside of your unit, but can set reasonable size, place and placement rules (7 days' notice required). Even so:

Read your lease and HOA rules for anything about balcony attachments or electrical devices.
Ask in writing before mounting anything to a railing.
Prefer clamp-on or freestanding mounts that don't drill into the building.

How much can balcony solar save in Virginia?

Find your price per kWh on your Dominion Energy, Appalachian Power or electric cooperative bill.
Check the kit's estimated yearly output for your location and the way your balcony faces (south is best, then east or west).
Multiply: yearly kWh × your price per kWh = rough yearly savings. Or use the balcony solar calculator.

Shade, railing angle and how much of the power you use while it's being made all change the result. Plug-in systems are meant to offset what your home uses, not to sell power back.

Timeline

March 5, 2026: Senate passes HB 395 with a substitute, 30–8.
March 9, 2026: House agrees to the Senate substitute, 93–4.
April 22, 2026: Both chambers accept the Governor's amendments and the bill is approved as Chapter 1052.
September 1, 2026: Deadline for the State Corporation Commission to publish the notification form.
January 1, 2027: The plug-in solar provisions take effect.

FAQ

Is balcony solar legal in Virginia?: Yes, from January 1, 2027. Chapter 1052 (HB 395) allows plug-in devices up to 1,200 watts per customer.
Do I need to tell Dominion Energy or my co-op?: Yes. Submit the State Corporation Commission's notification form before you install. The utility has 15 days to review it; if it doesn't respond, you can install.
Can my Virginia landlord stop me?: Not if they own more than four rental units. They can set reasonable rules on size and placement, and you must give at least 7 days' notice.
Will my utility pay me for extra power?: No. Plug-in devices are excluded from net metering.
Can the utility add equipment?: With more than one device at a property, or if the circuit requires it, the utility may install an automatic locking disconnect switch.
Is it legal right now?: Not until January 1, 2027. Until then, a battery-only setup that never connects to your home wiring is the safe option.

Sources

This page explains the law in plain language. It is not legal advice. Last checked October 28, 2026.