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New to plug-in solar?

Plug-in solar lets anyone generate free electricity — no roof, no permit, no contractor. A single panel on your balcony can meaningfully cut your bill, especially as rates keep rising.

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Pending legislationUpdated May 10, 2026

Coming Soon — Virginia is considering plug-in solar legislation

Would allow Virginia homeowners and renters to connect plug-in solar systems up to 1,000W to standard household outlets without a permit, utility interconnection agreement, or utility approval. Excess generation would not be credited (no net metering).

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Recently updated — this page was last reviewed on May 10, 2026. Law data is current as of that date.

Bill Status

Bill number

HB 1923

Read full bill ↗

What to Expect If This Passes

🔌

Up to 1000W, no permit

The bill as drafted would allow systems up to 1000W AC connected to a standard household outlet — no permit, no utility approval required.

⚡

No net metering

The bill does not include net metering for plug-in systems. Excess generation would not be credited. Self-consumption maximization is key.

🏠

Renters included

The bill does not restrict installation to homeowners. Renters would still need landlord consent, but no permanent installation is required.

Electricity Cost Trend

↑ 4.5%/yr avg — Moderate

Rates up 25% over the past 5 years

From $0.108/kWh in 2021 → $0.134/kWh today. Every year you delay solar, your bills compound.

4.5%

avg. annual increase

Historical avg. residential rate ($/kWh)

$0.108

2021

$0.112

2022

$0.117

2023

$0.123

2024

$0.128

2025

$0.134

2026

20-year projected rate

$0.323/kWh

at 4.5%/yr escalation

Extra you'll pay over 20 yrs*

$1,524

vs. today's rates (1,000 kWh/mo household)

Best time to go solar

Now

Each year of delay = a year of higher grid bills

Estimated Savings Preview

Based on Virginia's $0.134/kWh avg. rate and 4.7 sun hours/day. Use this to plan — not to make a purchase yet.

Your zip code — get exact NREL sun hours

Default: 4.7h/day (Virginia avg)

System Cost$1,200

$900$2,200

System Size (state max: 1000W)800W

400W1000W

Self-Consumption Ratewhat's this?60%

30%100%

Electricity Rate$0.134/kWh

$0.080/kWh$0.400/kWh

Rate Escalation Scenario

Year 1 Generation

700 kWh

58 kWh/mo

Year 1 Savings

$94

$8/mo

Payback Period

11 yrs

by year 11

25-Year Savings

$3,894

net $2,694

ℹPanels typically last 25–30 years with a 25-year output warranty. Microinverters carry a 10–25 year warranty depending on brand. Battery modules degrade faster — expect 10–15 years before capacity drops below 80%. The 25-year savings figure above assumes the panel and inverter run for the full window; budget ~$200–$400 for an inverter swap around year 15 if needed.

Cumulative Savings vs. Break-even ($)

Selected scenario2% escalation8% escalationBreak-even

Calculator AssumptionsSavings estimates are projections based on average sun hours, self-consumption assumptions, and rate escalation scenarios. Actual results vary by roof orientation, shading, usage patterns, and local rate schedules. The federal ITC for residential solar expired December 31, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is plug-in solar currently legal in Virginia?

Not yet. HB 1923 is pending in the Virginia General Assembly. Until it passes and is signed by the Governor, there is no simplified pathway for plug-in solar systems in Virginia. Installing one now may require a standard interconnection agreement with Dominion Energy.

What would HB 1923 allow if passed?

Systems up to 1,000W AC output could be connected to standard household outlets without a building permit or utility interconnection agreement. The bill explicitly prohibits net metering for covered systems — excess generation would not be credited.

When could Virginia homeowners legally install plug-in solar?

If HB 1923 passes the full House and Senate and is signed by the Governor before summer 2026 recess, the earliest effective date would be January 1, 2027. The bill could also be amended or fail entirely. Sign up for updates below.

What is Dominion Energy's position on plug-in solar?

Dominion Energy Virginia has not formally opposed HB 1923 as of May 2026. Dominion typically requires interconnection agreements for distributed generation — HB 1923 would create a carve-out exempting sub-1,000W plug-in systems from that process.

Would the bill cover apartment renters?

The bill as drafted does not distinguish between owners and renters. However, it does not override landlord authority. Renters would need landlord consent. Advocates have noted the renter use case in committee testimony.

Stay in the Loop

We monitor the Virginia legislature and will email you the moment HB 1923 is signed into law or fails. No spam — one email per bill outcome.

Legal DisclaimerLaws change. Information on this site reflects our best understanding of current statutes as of the date shown. It is not legal advice. Verify requirements with your state utility commission, local building department, and a qualified attorney before installation.