Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Virginia HB 395, organized by who's asking. Search by keyword or filter by category.
House Bill 395 is Virginia's landmark 2025 legislation creating a comprehensive statewide framework for plug-in balcony solar systems. It was passed by the General Assembly and signed into law in March 2025.
What the law does
- •Requires all plug-in solar equipment to meet the UL 3700 safety standard
- •Caps protected system size at 1,200 watts AC output
- •Prohibits landlords (4+ rental units) from unreasonably banning compliant systems
- •Limits HOA authority to outright bans under Virginia's Solar Rights Act (§ 67-701)
- •Requires manufacturers to attach a standardized disclosure label starting July 1, 2026
- •Creates a notification process administered by the State Corporation Commission (SCC)
Key dates
- •July 1, 2026 — Equipment safety rules (UL 3700, disclosure labels) take effect
- •January 1, 2027 — Full consumer protection rights (landlord/HOA restrictions) take effect
HB 395 deliberately does not require interconnection agreements or licensed electricians — that is what makes plug-in systems fundamentally different from rooftop solar.