Overview
- Virginia’s General Assembly passed HB 395 and SB 250 with broad bipartisan support, sending the companion bills to Gov. Abigail Spanberger for action within 30 days of the March 14 adjournment.
- The policy defines moveable photovoltaic devices up to 1,200 watts per dwelling and requires National Electrical Code compliance, third‑party certification by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, and anti‑islanding protection.
- Qualified devices would be exempt from utility interconnection, fees, and prior approval, while customers must notify their utility using a State Corporation Commission form and utilities may install a locking disconnect where multiple devices are used.
- The legislation includes renter provisions that bar large landlords from outright bans, permits reasonable placement and size limits, classifies devices as consumer goods, and shifts liability for customer‑owned units away from utilities.
- The law would take effect January 1, 2027 if signed, as a wider state‑level push continues, with several bills stalled over utility safety concerns and with UL Solutions’ new certification program underway and manufacturers preparing to enter enabled markets.