Gov. Spanberger signs suite of solar, storage bills for Virginia
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger campaigned on lowering spiking energy costs in America’s southernmost commonwealth state. That mission just became much easier, thanks to a flurry of signatures.
On April 13, the first-term governor made good on her foremost campaign promise, signing several solar and storage-forward bills to strengthen the state grid. The bills also aim to give a boost to the local economy, increasing the installation and deployment of solar and energy storage across the state.
Darren Van’t Hof, Interim President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), says Spanberger is “doing more than simply delivering on (her) promise.”
“It is no secret that Virginia needs more home-grown energy supply to meet skyrocketing demand and protect ratepayers,” he says. “Virginia’s leaders are addressing these challenges with a well-rounded strategy that will cut bureaucratic red tape, take advantage of existing energy resources to strengthen grid reliability at minimal cost to ratepayers, and encourage investment in power sources tailor-made for this moment.”
A look at the new laws
First up, Spanberger signed HB590/SB382, also known as the “Smart Residential Solar Permitting” bill, into law for both residential and commercial usage. The new law cuts solar-related red tape, according to SEIA, which can add up to $6,000 to the price of an average system.
Environment Virginia notes that as of April 2026, only 3% of households in Virginia have rooftop solar panels equipped. This is well below the national average, and the hope is that the new streamlining law gets things moving.
The next major law, HB895/SB448, adds Virginia to the list of states aiming to offset electrical grid strain with energy storage, SEIA officials say. The state’s new Distributed Generation Expansion Act, formerly HB628/SB175, will also assist in that regard, Van’t Hof says.
“The Distributed Generation Expansion Act (HB628/ SB175) will reduce strain on the grid and the need for costly transmission upgrades,” he says, “by encouraging the development of energy resources that generate power closer to consumers, like solar on rooftops, parking lots, and landfills.”
The signing spree also included a few bills that set the groundwork for further renewable energy infrastructure in Virginia. Foremost of these, HB1467 directs the Appalachian Power Company to create a pilot program for a virtual power plant (VPP) in the state by the start of next July.
Finally, HB711/SB347 aims to create “consistent and transparent standards for local solar ordinances.” Not only will these protect local decision makers, but it provides solar developers with “certainty needed to build thoughtful projects” that also incorporate community engagement.
Notably absent, however, is the state’s SB250, more commonly known as the balcony solar bill. Passed by a unanimous vote earlier this year, Spanberger forwarded the bill back to the state’s Senate on April 11 with recommendations and technical amendments, according to the state’s Legislative Information System. However, bills passed to the governor’s desk will automatically become law if not signed or vetoed by July 1.
Follow the leaders?
Spanberger is giving state leaders across the U.S. “a new example to follow” in terms of statewide energy plans, SEIA says.
“The solar and storage industry applauds the Governor and the bipartisan group of legislators for delivering policies that are a win-win for Virginia’s ratepayers, grid reliability, and economy,” Van’t Hof says. “Solar and storage companies are excited to continue delivering the affordable, reliable power that Virginians deserve.”
Whether other states actually follow that blueprint remains to be seen, but Spanberger isn’t the first new state leader to take similar action. New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill also signed a series of bills in favor of renewable energy earlier this year, as did Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
