VirginiaHB3952026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Electric utilities; small portable solar generation devices, local regulation.

Sponsored By: Paul E. Krizek (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Electric utilities; small portable solar generation devices; local regulation; installation by tenants; consumer protection. Prevents a locality from prohibiting the use of a small portable solar generation device, as defined in the bill, on a residential structure, provided that certain requirements are met. The bill includes provisions related to the installation of small portable solar generation devices by tenants and prevents landlords from prohibiting such installation in certain circumstances. Under the bill, small portable solar generation devices are excluded from the provisions of net metering programs applicable to eligible agricultural customer-generators, eligible customer-generators, or small agricultural generating facilities. The bill also permits any electric utility customer to own and operate a small portable solar generation device, provided that certain requirements are met. The bill prohibits an investor-owned utility, municipal utility, or electric cooperative from imposing interconnection requirements, charging any fee related to the device, or requiring that the customer obtain the utility's approval before installing or using the device. Under the bill, no electric utility, municipal utility, electric cooperative shall be liable for damage or injury caused by a small portable solar generation device. The bill directs the State Corporation Commission to develop and publish a notification form for a customer of an electric utility or cooperative to install a small portable solar generation device and directs the Secretary of Commerce and Trade to convene a work group to evaluate and develop recommendations regarding the safety standards and requirements applicable to small portable solar generation devices. Certain provisions of the bill become effective on January 1, 2027. This bill incorporates HB 289 and HB 928 and is identical to SB 250.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Portable solar covered by buyer protections

A small plug‑in solar device counts as a good under the Consumer Protection Act. Buyers get the same sales and warranty protections as with other goods. This applies starting January 1, 2027.

Rooftop and plug-in solar allowed locally

Homeowners can put rooftop solar on their property in most zoning districts. You must follow height, setback, and local historic rules. Local governments cannot ban a qualifying small plug‑in solar device on a home if it meets those rules. These local‑siting rules take effect January 1, 2027.

No net metering for plug‑in solar

Small plug‑in solar devices are not eligible for net energy metering. You cannot earn credits for extra power from these devices. This change begins January 1, 2027.

Simple rules for plug-in solar devices

A small plug‑in solar device is up to 1,200 watts, plugs into an outlet, meets electrical code, is lab‑certified, and stops exports during outages. Devices up to 391 watts are exempt from extra listing rules that would require panel or wiring changes. Before you install, you send a short notice form; the State Corporation Commission provides it by September 1, 2026. Your utility has 15 days to respond; if it does not, you may proceed. You do not need interconnection, utility approval, or device‑specific fees. A utility may add a locking disconnect if you have more than one device or the circuit needs it, and utilities are not liable for damage or outages caused by a device. These rules start January 1, 2027.

Renters can use plug‑in solar

Landlords with more than four units cannot ban a qualifying small plug‑in solar device on a tenant’s exterior space. Tenants must give at least seven days’ notice with proof the device meets the rules and where it will go. Tenants are responsible for any damage. If billing uses a ratio system or the install needs wiring or panel changes, the landlord’s written approval is required. These renter rules start January 1, 2027.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Paul E. Krizek

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 523 • No: 28

Senate vote 4/22/2026

Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation

Yes: 28 • No: 11

House vote 4/22/2026

House concurred in Governor's recommendation Block Vote

Yes: 99 • No: 0

House vote 3/9/2026

Senate substitute agreed to by House

Yes: 93 • No: 4

Senate vote 3/5/2026

Passed Senate with substitute

Yes: 30 • No: 8 • Other: 1

Senate vote 3/5/2026

Committee substitute rejected (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/5/2026

Senator Surovell Substitute agreed to

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/4/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/4/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading)

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/2/2026

Reported from Commerce and Labor with substitute

Yes: 10 • No: 4

House vote 2/4/2026

Read third time and passed House Block Vote

Yes: 97 • No: 1

House vote 2/4/2026

Passed House Block Vote

Yes: 98 • No: 0

House vote 1/29/2026

Reported from Labor and Commerce with substitute

Yes: 22 • No: 0

House vote 1/27/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute

Yes: 7 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (28-Y 11-N 0-A)

    4/22/2026Senate
  2. House concurred in Governor's recommendation Block Vote (99-Y 0-N 0-A)

    4/22/2026House
  3. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP1052)

    4/22/2026Governor
  4. Reenrolled bill text (HB395ER2)

    4/22/2026House
  5. Approved by Governor-Chapter1052 (Effective - see bill)

    4/22/2026Governor
  6. Signed by President

    4/22/2026Senate
  7. Signed by Speaker

    4/22/2026House
  8. Governor's recommendation adopted

    4/22/2026Governor
  9. Governor's recommendation received by House

    4/11/2026Governor
  10. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/25/2026Governor
  11. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 25, 2026

    3/25/2026House
  12. Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (HB395)

    3/23/2026House
  13. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB395ER)

    3/14/2026House
  14. Enrolled

    3/14/2026Senate
  15. Signed by President

    3/14/2026Senate
  16. Signed by Speaker

    3/14/2026House
  17. Senate substitute agreed to by House (93-Y 4-N 0-A)

    3/9/2026House
  18. Passed Senate with substitute (30-Y 8-N 1-A)

    3/5/2026Senate
  19. Senator Surovell Substitute agreed to

    3/5/2026Senate
  20. Committee substitute rejected (Voice Vote)

    3/5/2026Senate
  21. Floor substitute printed 26109146D-S2 (Surovell)

    3/5/2026Senate
  22. Floor Offered

    3/5/2026Senate
  23. Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (HB395)

    3/5/2026House
  24. Reading of substitute waived

    3/5/2026Senate
  25. Engrossed by Senate - floor substitute

    3/5/2026Senate

Bill Text

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