Virginia Law on Local Regulation of Solar Facilities

This Virginia law establishes that property owners in residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial, institutional, or mixed-use zones may install rooftop or ground-mounted solar facilities on their property to meet their own electricity or thermal needs. Ground-mounted solar is generally permitted unless restricted by local ordinances, but any facility serving off-site properties is subject to additional local zoning regulations. This section does not override private agreements such as covenants or community declarations, and localities may expand by-right solar installation permissions or impose panel disposal requirements.