Proposed West Virginia Law Could Allow Plug-in Solar Systems

West Virginia households could see average annual savings of $240 if lawmakers pass proposed legislation during the upcoming legislative session.

Plug-in solar systems, which convert sunlight into electricity and connect directly to a standard wall outlet, currently remain illegal in West Virginia. That regulatory barrier could lift when the state’s legislative session begins on January 13, 2027.

Also known as balcony solar or plug-in photovoltaics, these portable units offer a way to generate electricity without complex rooftop installations. Systems typically feature a maximum power output of 1200 watts and require an average payback period of seven years.

The proposed legislative framework rests on four essential provisions:

Creating a formal definition for a plug-in solar generation device
Setting system size requirements capped at a 1200-watt maximum power output
Requiring safety certification by a nationally recognized testing laboratory
Exempting the hardware from traditional utility interconnection requirements

A1 Solar Store notes that West Virginia averages 4.50 peak sun hours per day, allowing a standard 5kW photovoltaic system to produce up to 6,805 kWh on a sunny day.

Rising electricity prices across the state have driven interest in alternative energy sources. The 1200-watt plug-in systems offer a practical option for renters, apartment-dwellers, and homeowners whose roofs suffer from heavy tree shading or up-front cost barriers.

When used properly and in compliance with safety standards, plug-in solar hardware operates with safety levels comparable to common household appliances like hair dryers. State laws in other regions mandate certifications from organizations such as Underwriters Laboratories.

Ten states have already established legal pathways for plug-in solar systems, including Virginia, Maryland, Utah, and Colorado.

Worth a look