House Bill 395 · Commonwealth of Virginia
Virginia's complete guide to balcony solar law.
HB 395 legalizes small plug-in solar systems statewide. The consumer protections that matter most — anti-restriction rules, required disclosures, and the SCC notification process — take full effect on January 1, 2027.
System cap
1,200 W
AC, per residence
Permit
Not required
for compliant systems
Landlords
4+ units
can't ban outright
Net metering
Not eligible
behind-the-meter only
Certification
UL 3700
required for safety
Real installations
Inspiring DIY solar setups in everyday households.
With the legal protections of HB 395, Virginia residents can trim $150–$350 a year off their utility bills using simple plug-and-play solar. Here is how households are creatively installing DIY panels on balconies, fences, gardens, walls, and yards across the Commonwealth.
Richmond, VA
~$180 / yearApartment Balcony Setup
A sleek 400W plug-in solar panel safely mounted to an apartment balcony railing, feeding power directly to home appliances.
Virginia Beach, VA
~$240 / yearBackyard Fence Mount
Dual plug-in panels mounted flat against a sunny wooden privacy fence, utilizing otherwise unused backyard boundary space.
Charlottesville, VA
~$200 / yearVegetable Garden Stand
A portable ground-mounted solar panel placed in a vegetable garden bed to harness maximum direct sunlight without permanent mounting.
Alexandria, VA
~$280 / yearSun-Facing Wall Mount
Plug-in panels mounted directly to a sun-facing brick exterior wall, routing power straight to a standard outdoor GFCI outlet.
Roanoke, VA
~$320 / yearBackyard Ground Mount
A low-profile DIY ground stand setup in a spacious single-family home backyard, positioned for optimal year-round solar capture.
Norfolk, VA
~$350 / yearLocal Shop Awning
A small business utilizing DIY plug-in solar panels mounted on a storefront awning to offset daily baseline energy usage.
Arlington, VA
~$310 / yearFlat Rooftop Deck
Two plug-in solar panels on weighted ballasted mounts sitting on a flat rooftop terrace, perfect for urban townhomes.
Estimates based on 400–1,200W systems in comparable climates. Virginia results depend on orientation, shading, and Dominion or APCo rates.
Explore by topic
Six pillars cover everything HB 395 changes.
Tenant Rights
Landlord restrictions, the 4+ unit rule, notification requirements, and what counts as a reasonable restriction.
ExploreHOA & Condo Rules
Where association authority ends, zoning carve-outs, and historic district considerations.
ExploreLaw & Legal Reference
HB 395 broken down, the July 2026 vs January 2027 distinction, and the SCC notification form tracker.
ExploreTechnical Specs
How plug-in solar works, UL 3700 certification, the 1,200W limit, and anti-islanding safety.
ExploreUtility Rules
Dominion Energy, Appalachian Power, the no-net-metering rule, and co-op / municipal specifics.
ExploreCosts & Savings
Equipment costs, realistic ROI, and how a 1,200W system performs across Virginia's climate.
ExploreWho is this for?
Find the entry point that matches your situation.
I'm a renter
Start with what your landlord can — and can't — refuse.
Read for rentersI own a home
See how HB 395 overrides local prohibitions on small plug-in solar.
Read for homeownersI'm in an HOA or condo
Find out what association rules HB 395 invalidates.
Read for HOA ownersI'm a landlord
Learn your obligations and lease language to update before 2027.
Read for landlordsRecent updates
Tracking the rollout, one filing at a time.
- July 22, 2026Equipment
Hoymiles HiFlow Pro is the first UL 3700 plug-in microinverter in the US
- June 18, 2026Regulatory
SCC circulates draft HB 395 notification form for public comment
- May 2, 2026Legal
Attorney General opinion narrows HOA authority to block plug-in solar
Find out in 60 seconds whether your setup is compliant under HB 395.
Four short questions, one clear answer, and a checklist of what to do next.