Plug-in solar in West Virginia
Bill failed or died Checked November 10, 2026
Trackers report that West Virginia House Bill 5648 included plug-in solar rules. On March 2, 2026 the House voted to table a motion to pull it out of committee, and it died there.
Bills
| Bill | Stage | Last action | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| HB 5648 House Bill 5648 (official title not captured) | Died in committee | Motion to table motion to discharge from committee adopted (Roll No. 230) (March 2, 2026) |
The rules
West Virginia has no enacted plug-in solar law. There are no state rules to list; your utility's interconnection rules apply.
What's next
A new bill would be needed in 2027.
What could it save?
For an 800 W panel kit at West Virginia's average residential price of 15.53¢/kWh (September 2025 – August 2026 (12 months)):
- Ideal tilt (20°, south)
- 994 kWh a year: about $107 typical (69% used at home), up to $154 best case (100%)
- Vertical railing (90°, south)
- 635 kWh a year: about $68 typical (69% used at home), up to $99 best case (100%)
"Typical" uses HTW Berlin's model for an 800 W system without a battery; exports are assumed to earn nothing. Solar data: NREL PVWatts for Charleston (capital). Try your own numbers · Is it worth it? · Railing vs tilted
Price source: EIA residential average, September 2025 – August 2026 (12 months).
Questions
Is plug-in solar legal in West Virginia?
West Virginia has no plug-in solar law. Without one, small plug-in systems fall under your utility's own interconnection rules. Ask your utility before you connect anything.
Neighbouring states
- Kentucky: No bill found
- Maryland: Law in effect
- Ohio: Status not yet confirmed
- Pennsylvania: Bill active
- Virginia: Law passed, not yet in effect
Related: is it worth it? · railing vs tilted panels · renters guide · all kits · Certification watch · how we verify
Sources
- West Virginia Legislature: HB 5648 (2026 Regular Session) bill history (Legislature bill page; accessed November 10, 2026)
Research note: Verification partial: action history read on wvlegislature.gov; that the bill contains plug-in solar rules comes from trackers, and the official title was not captured.
This page is general information, not legal or electrical advice. Laws change and utilities differ. Check the linked official sources, your lease or HOA rules, and your utility before you buy or install anything. Full disclaimer.