Virginia Plug-In Solar Laws
By Daniel Okafor · Last reviewed Virginia is classified as signed—not effective. Law not effective as of verification date. The tracked limit is 1,200 W; confirm the final law, exact product and serving-utility process before connection.
Current status
Signed—not effective
The law has been enacted but its new route is not available yet. Prepare now, then re-check the final implementation on the effective date.
Check your location
Framework status and exact product eligibility are separate checks.
What this means today
Virginia's HB 395 is signed but takes effect January 1, 2027. This is a prepare status, not a buy-and-connect signal. Follow current utility interconnection and electrical requirements while monitoring State Corporation Commission and utility implementation.
Dominion Energy, Appalachian Power, cooperatives and municipal utilities serve different territories. Verify complete-system evidence and outlet conditions, obtain permission in apartments or HOA communities, and use mounting suitable for coastal storms, mountain winds and heat. Do not count unverified export credit in payback.
What HB 395 says
Virginia's Legislative Information System record for HB 395 is the primary source; the dataset tracks a 1,200 W category effective January 1, 2027.
Read the official bill record ↗
Your serving utility still matters
Law not effective as of verification date.
Pre-purchase checklist
- 1Confirm continuous inverter AC output is no more than 1,200 W; panel DC nameplate watts are a different measurement.
- 2Ask the serving utility for its current Virginia notice, registration, metering and export procedure.
- 3Verify complete-system safety evidence, anti-islanding, plug and branch-circuit requirements; a listed component is not a listed system.
- 4Obtain landlord or HOA consent and check local electrical, planning, fire and structural rules.
- 5Plan around January 1, 2027; signing is not effectiveness.
Products within the tracked limit
These products are marked as US-available, in stock and at or below the tracked AC watt cap. A dataset match is not a finding of legal compliance or verified system-level certification.
CraftStrom 400 Watt Plug&Play Solar — Two panels, one smart inverter, AC cable and mounting hardware; the PowerMeter is not included in this configuration.
- 350 W grid-tie output
- 400 W hardware output
- 2 panels included
- No battery option listed
- Mounting included
- 10-year warranty
- Listings: US
- UL 3700 system evidence not verified
CraftStrom 400 Watt Plug&Play Solar — Two panels, one smart inverter, AC cable and mounting hardware; the PowerMeter is not included in this configuration.
- 350 W grid-tie output
- 400 W hardware output
- 2 panels included
- No battery option listed
- Mounting included
- 10-year warranty
- Listings: US
- UL 3700 system evidence not verified
CraftStrom 800 Watt Plug&Play Solar — Four panels, two smart inverters, PowerMeter, mounting hardware and connection cables.
- 700 W grid-tie output
- 800 W hardware output
- 4 panels included
- No battery option listed
- Mounting included
- 10-year warranty
- Listings: US
- UL 3700 system evidence not verified
CraftStrom 800 Watt Plug&Play Solar — Four panels, two smart inverters, PowerMeter, mounting hardware and connection cables.
- 700 W grid-tie output
- 800 W hardware output
- 4 panels included
- No battery option listed
- Mounting included
- 10-year warranty
- Listings: US
- UL 3700 system evidence not verified
Bright Saver Flex180 single-panel kit — One 180 W flexible panel, one 120 V inverter, AC cable and self-install instructions; mounting hardware is not listed as included.
- 180 W grid-tie output
- 1 panels included
- No battery option listed
- Mounting excluded
- Warranty term not verified
- Listings: US
- UL 3700 system evidence not verified
Bright Saver Flex180 single-panel kit — One 180 W flexible panel, one 120 V inverter, AC cable and self-install instructions; mounting hardware is not listed as included.
- 180 W grid-tie output
- 1 panels included
- No battery option listed
- Mounting excluded
- Warranty term not verified
- Listings: US
- UL 3700 system evidence not verified
Model value with the savings calculator and review the safety guide.
Primary sources
Key facts
- Status: Signed—not effective
- Bill: HB 395
- Effective date: 2027-01-01
- Watt limit: 1,200 W
Frequently asked questions
Can I use plug-in solar in Virginia today?
The tracked law is signed but not effective until 2027-01-01. Until then, follow the rules and utility process currently in force.
Does the watt limit refer to panel watts?
Do not assume so. Compare the final law’s definition with continuous inverter AC output; panel DC nameplate capacity is a different figure.
Will exported electricity be credited?
No export payment or retail credit is assumed here. Ask the serving utility how the meter treats surplus generation and size around daytime self-consumption.
Does a compliant product remove landlord or HOA rules?
No. State energy rules do not grant permission to alter a rented home, common property, balcony rail or façade. Obtain written consent and check local requirements.
Is system-level UL 3700 certification verified for these products?
No product is presented here as having verified system-level UL 3700 evidence. Confirm the precise complete-system listing and all conditions before purchase.