Subcommittee advances bill allowing small "plug-in" or balcony solar systems

Delegate Delia Krizak introduced HB395 and a substitute that would permit small, consumer‑grade plug‑in solar panels — commonly called balcony or portable solar systems — where local zoning and historic preservation rules are respected. "This installs what is commonly referred to as balcony solar panels," Krizak said, framing the bill as an affordability measure for renters and households who cannot install rooftop systems.

Multiple stakeholders backed the bill at the subcommittee hearing. Victoria Higgins of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network Action Fund told lawmakers, "We support the bill because it makes clean energy more affordable, more accessible, and more practical for everyday Virginians" (testimony). The administration’s deputy secretary of commerce and trade, Kristen Dauman, expressed support as advancing affordability priorities, and groups including the Southern Environmental Law Center, Advanced Energy United and the Virginia League of Conservation Voters also testified in favor.

Wesley Schrock of Brightsaver.org, an advocacy nonprofit, described the measure as a market-driven approach that would not rely on tax credits or public funds, saying the bill ensures systems are "safe for consumers and for the grid." The sponsor and proponents emphasized that local zoning and historic‑district protections remain in force and that consumer‑protection language was incorporated after stakeholder review.

After public comment, a motion to report HB395 with the substitute passed; the clerk recorded the committee report 7–0. The bill now advances to the full committee with the substitute incorporated.

What’s next: HB395 is reported out of Subcommittee 3 and will be scheduled for further consideration by the full committee.