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HB 395

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Elizabeth Bennett-Parker and 6 co-sponsors

HB 395 establishes statewide standards for local regulation of small portable solar devices, preempting conflicting municipal rules to streamline distributed solar deployment in Virginia.

Governor's recommendation received by House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 395

Legislative bill overview

HB 395 addresses local government regulation of small portable solar generation devices by electric utilities in Virginia. The bill appears to establish parameters for how municipalities and counties can regulate or restrict these devices, likely to prevent a patchwork of conflicting local rules. This focuses on portable solar systems rather than traditional rooftop installations.

Why is this important

As distributed solar technology becomes more affordable and accessible, jurisdictions are creating inconsistent local regulations that complicate deployment and consumer adoption. This bill attempts to create statewide consistency, which affects both homeowners' ability to use portable solar devices and utilities' grid management concerns. The outcome influences Virginia's renewable energy accessibility and the balance between local control and state-level energy policy.

Potential points of contention

  • Local authority limits: Communities may resist restrictions on their ability to regulate solar devices within their jurisdictions, viewing this as state overreach into local land-use and zoning authority
  • Utility interests vs. consumer access: Electric utilities may support restrictions to maintain grid control and billing consistency, while solar advocates want minimal barriers to distributed generation adoption
  • Definition ambiguity: "Small portable solar" could be interpreted broadly or narrowly, creating disputes over which devices fall under state preemption versus local regulation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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