Virginia becomes the second state legislature to pass balcony solar, now awaiting Governor Spanberger’s signature

RICHMOND, VA — The Virginia House of Delegates passed legislation (SB250) today sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell to enable the use of small plug-in photovoltaic devices, otherwise known as “balcony solar” kits, by a margin of 96 – 0. Balcony solar panels can be hung from balconies or otherwise propped up on the exterior of buildings, feeding sunlight to the household’s appliances. While they cannot power the household’s entire energy needs, the systems can moderately lower the need for purchasing electricity from the grid, thereby reducing energy costs. The legislation comes at a time when many Virginians are facing all-time high energy bills associated with a recent rate hike and cold snap, as well as grid congestion costs associated with data centers.

The House cognate sponsored by Delegate Paul Krizek, HB395, has already passed both chambers, with the final vote in the Senate representing an overwhelming bipartisan majority of 30 – 8 and one abstention. This makes Virginia the second state legislature in the country to officially pass balcony solar legislation. While the bill must await a signature from Governor Abigail Spanberger to become law, balcony solar was on a short list of the Governor’s energy affordability priorities. The Governor’s administration repeatedly spoke in favor of the measure in committee. 

The first state to pass enabling legislation was Utah. But the devices are chiefly in use in Europe, where over one million devices are registered in Germany alone. 

Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax), Senate patron of SB250, said:

“This legislation is about putting practical energy solutions in the hands of Virginians. Balcony solar allows people who live in apartments and condos to participate in our clean energy future, helping families save money while putting clean electrons on the grid.”

Delegate Paul Krizek (D-Fairfax), House patron of HB395, added: 

“By allowing households to produce some of their own power, balcony solar can help lower monthly electricity bills and improve energy affordability for Virginia families. Virginia’s energy future should be accessible to everyone — not just homeowners with large rooftops. This bill also provides another way for Virginia’s cities to contribute to the Commonwealth’s energy needs, helping reduce the need for new energy projects in Virginia’s rural localities.”

CCAN Action Fund’s Virginia Director, Victoria Higgins, added:

“Balcony solar is a smart climate solution that makes clean energy more accessible to everyday Virginians. By expanding solar to apartments and multifamily buildings, this law helps cut pollution, fight climate change, and ensure the cost-saving benefits of renewable energy reach more communities across the Commonwealth.”

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Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) Action Fund is dedicated to driving change in public policies at the local, state, and national levels to address the climate crisis. Through voter education, lobbying, and participation in the electoral process, we seek to advance our country’s leadership in the global movement toward clean energy solutions — focusing our efforts primarily in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. We know that a vibrant democracy is central to our success so we work to defend democratic integrity wherever we can.