(Effective January 1, 2027) Small portable solar generation devices; exempt from interconnection
Va. Code Ann. § 56-596.8
in effectA. As used in this section, "small portable solar generation device" means a moveable photovoltaic generation device that (i) has a maximum power output of not more than 1,200 watts per customer or, in the case of multi-family housing, per residential building unit; (ii) is designed to be connected to the electrical system of a building through an electrical outlet; (iii) is located on the customer's side of the electric meter and intended primarily to offset part of the customer's electricity consumption; (iv) meets the standards of the most recent version of the National Electrical Code; (v) is certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, as described in 29 C.F.R. § 1910.7, or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory; and (vi) includes a device or feature that prevents the device from affecting or exporting power to the electrical system of the building during a power outage. A small portable solar generation device that has a maximum power output to the receptacle outlet of not more than 391 watts is exempt from product listing provisions that would require alterations to the building's premises, wiring, or electrical panels.
B. Any customer of an electric service provider may own and operate a small portable solar generation device that meets the requirements of this section without being subject to interconnection requirements, net energy metering provisions, or any other provision of law requiring reimbursement to or approval from the electric utility to own and operate the small portable solar generation device. No electric service provider shall require a customer using a small portable solar generation device to obtain the electric service provider's approval before installing or using the device, pay any fee or charge related to the device, or install any additional controls or equipment beyond what is integrated with the device. However, any customer of an electric service provider shall notify the electric service provider by submitting the form established by the Commission, online or by mail, prior to the installation of a small portable solar generation device. The electric service provider shall have 15 days after the date of notification to review the form for accuracy and completeness and respond to the customer to resolve any deficiencies. If the electric service provider does not respond within such 15-day period, the customer is deemed to have met such notification requirement and may install the device.
C. At any premises with more than one small portable solar generation device at a single property, or should the relevant distribution circuit require it, the electric utility or cooperative may install an automatic, locking disconnect switch.
D. A customer that owns and operates a small portable solar generation device shall ensure that the device includes a device or feature that prevents the device from exporting power to the electric grid or from affecting the electrical system of the building during a power outage.
E. No investor-owned utility, municipal utility, or electric cooperative shall be liable for any damage, injury, or interruption in electric service caused by a small portable solar generation device.
F. No provision of this section shall apply to a rental dwelling unit that is subject to a ratio utility billing system as defined in § 55.1-1212 .
2026, cc. 998 , 1052 .
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/56-596.8/Fetched: 10/16/2026