Virginia legislature passes balcony solar bill – Utility Dive
a day ago
- #Virginia legislation
- #solar energy
- #renewable energy
- Virginia legislature approves measure allowing plug-in solar devices without utility approval.
- Governor Abigail Spanberger expected to sign the bill into law.
- Bill permits small portable solar devices up to 1,200 watts per premise.
- Utilities cannot impose interconnection requirements or fees for these devices.
- Virginia would be the second U.S. state to approve balcony solar, following Utah.
- 30 similar bills introduced in other states; some face utility opposition.
- Devices must prevent exporting power to the grid during outages.
- Utilities not liable for damages caused by these solar devices.
- Plug-in solar can reduce energy costs by lowering grid electricity purchases.
- Legislation addresses high energy bills and grid congestion costs in Virginia.