Gov. Spanberger signs suite of solar, storage bills for Virginia

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<p>Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger campaigned on lowering spiking energy costs in America&#8217;s southernmost commonwealth state. That mission just became much easier, thanks to a flurry of signatures.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Darren Van’t Hof, Interim President and CEO of the <a href="https://seia.org/">Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)</a>, says Spanberger is &#8220;doing more than simply delivering on (her) promise.&#8221; </p>

<p>&#8220;It is no secret that Virginia needs more home-grown energy supply to meet skyrocketing demand and protect ratepayers,&#8221; he says. &#8220;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.&#8221;</p>

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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-look-at-the-new-laws">A look at the new laws</h3>

<p>First up, Spanberger signed HB590/SB382, also known as the &#8220;Smart Residential Solar Permitting&#8221; 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.</p>

<p><a href="https://environmentamerica.org/virginia/updates/smart-solar-permitting-bill-passes-the-finish-line/">Environment Virginia</a> 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.</p>

<p>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&#8217;s new Distributed Generation Expansion Act, formerly HB628/SB175, will also assist in that regard, Van&#8217;t Hof says.</p>

<p>&#8220;The Distributed Generation Expansion Act (HB628/ SB175) will reduce strain on the grid and the need for costly transmission upgrades,&#8221; he says, &#8220;by encouraging the development of energy resources that generate power closer to consumers, like solar on rooftops, parking lots, and landfills.&#8221;</p>

<p>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 <a href="https://www.appalachianpower.com/">Appalachian Power Company</a> to create a pilot program for a <a href="https://solarbuildermag.com/energy-storage/home-storage-ai-vpps-obbba-and-other-acronyms-shaping-the-ess-market/">virtual power plant (VPP)</a> in the state by the start of next July.</p>

<p>Finally, HB711/SB347 aims to create &#8220;consistent and transparent standards for local solar ordinances.&#8221; Not only will these protect local decision makers, but it provides solar developers with &#8220;certainty needed to build thoughtful projects&#8221; that also incorporate community engagement.</p>

<p>Notably absent, however, is the state&#8217;s SB250, more commonly known as the <a href="https://solarbuildermag.com/policy/balcony-solar-bills-take-hold-across-state-legislatures/">balcony solar bill</a>. Passed by a unanimous vote earlier this year, Spanberger forwarded the bill back to the state&#8217;s Senate on April 11 with recommendations and technical amendments, according to <a href="https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB250">the state&#8217;s Legislative Information System</a>. However, bills passed to the governor&#8217;s desk will automatically become law if not signed or vetoed by July 1.</p>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img alt="Illinois Gov JB Pritzker" class="wp-image-57501" height="469" src="https://solarbuildermag.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Illinois-Gov-JB-Pritzker-700x469.jpg" width="700" /></figure>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-follow-the-leaders">Follow the leaders?</h3>

<p>Spanberger is giving state leaders across the U.S. &#8220;a new example to follow&#8221; in terms of statewide energy plans, SEIA says.</p>

<p>&#8220;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,&#8221; Van&#8217;t Hof says. &#8220;Solar and storage companies are excited to continue delivering the affordable, reliable power that Virginians deserve.&#8221;</p>

<p>Whether other states actually follow that blueprint remains to be seen, but Spanberger isn&#8217;t the first new state leader to take similar action. <a href="https://solarbuildermag.com/policy/gov-sherrill-signs-bill-to-expand-storage-options-in-new-jersey/">New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill</a> also signed a series of bills in favor of renewable energy earlier this year, as did Illinois <a href="https://solarbuildermag.com/news/gov-pritzker-signs-to-expand-solar-lower-energy-bills-in-illinois/">Gov. J.B. Pritzker</a>.</p>
<p>-- Solar Builder magazine</p>