Relating to the regulation and oversight of the provision of electricial power to consumers in this State
Latest Action: March 14, 2026
Balcony Solar in West Virginia
Balcony solar bill failed
Verified as of September 25, 2026
Everything you need to know about plug-in balcony solar in West Virginia: legal status, tracked bills, statutory wattage limits, utility interconnection rules, and expected monthly solar production.
Legislation Summary
- Status
- Balcony solar bill failed
- Wattage allowed
- Not yet verified
- Wattage tiers
- Not yet verified
- HOA / Condo Protections
- Not yet verified
- Plug-in Battery Storage
- Not yet verified
- Renters & Tenant Rights
- Not yet verified
- Permit & Electrician DIY Status
- Not yet verified
- Utility Interconnection
- Not yet verified
- Bill
- HB 5648 - Relating to the regulation and oversight of the provision of electricial power to consumers in this State
- Date passed
- Not yet verified
- Date effective
- Not yet verified
Legal Status: Can You Plug In Solar in West Virginia?
Current Disposition: Balcony solar bill failed
West Virginia has no law addressing balcony solar. HB 5648 (2026), a broader utility bill, would have exempted portable solar generation devices that plug into a standard outlet from interconnection agreements, and barred utilities from requiring approval or charging fees for them. It stayed in the House Energy and Public Works Committee, and the House adjourned sine die on March 14, 2026.
Tracked Legislation in West Virginia
Estimated Solar Energy Production in West Virginia
How much electricity will a standard plug-in solar kit produce on a balcony or patio in West Virginia? Below are monthly estimates based on local insolation levels:
Standard 400W Kit
~540 kWh
Estimated annual electricity production
Dual-Panel 800W Kit
~1076 kWh
Estimated annual electricity production
| Month | Daily Peak Sun Hours | 400W Kit (1 Panel) | 800W Kit (2 Panels) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.9 hrs | 31 kWh | 62 kWh |
| Feb | 3.6 hrs | 35 kWh | 69 kWh |
| Mar | 4.3 hrs | 46 kWh | 92 kWh |
| Apr | 4.9 hrs | 51 kWh | 101 kWh |
| May | 5.2 hrs | 55 kWh | 111 kWh |
| Jun | 5.3 hrs | 55 kWh | 109 kWh |
| Jul | 5.3 hrs | 57 kWh | 113 kWh |
| Aug | 5.2 hrs | 55 kWh | 111 kWh |
| Sep | 4.8 hrs | 50 kWh | 99 kWh |
| Oct | 4.3 hrs | 46 kWh | 92 kWh |
| Nov | 3.1 hrs | 32 kWh | 64 kWh |
| Dec | 2.5 hrs | 27 kWh | 53 kWh |
| Annual Total | -- | ~540 kWh | ~1076 kWh |
Estimates derived from historical National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL NSRDB) solar radiation averages across weather stations in West Virginia, modeling an 86% system performance ratio.
Calculate Your Exact Bill Savings
Customize system orientation, local utility electric rates, and shade factors with our interactive simulator.
Open Solar Savings Simulator for West Virginia →Incentives, Solar Rights & Grid Barriers
State Incentives & Solar Rights
No specific state-wide financial incentives currently filed for plug-in solar.
Utility Barriers & Interconnection Rules
- Interconnection agreement required
- NEC-compliant installation required
Official West Virginia Energy Resources
- DSIRE West Virginia (secondary)
- West Virginia 2026 bill search data (primary)