Virginia Solar Easements

November 05, 2023

Summary

Virginia's solar easement law is similar to those in effect in other states. The Virginia Solar Easements Act of 1978 allows property owners to create binding solar easements for the purpose of protecting and maintaining proper access to sunlight. Easements must be executed in writing and must include:

The vertical and horizontal angles, expressed in degrees, at which the solar easement extends over the real property subject to the solar easement;
Any terms or conditions or both under which the solar easement is granted or will be terminated; and
Any provisions for compensation of the owner of the property subject to the solar easement.

Program Overview

Implementing Sector:	State
Category:	Regulatory Policy
State:	Virginia
Incentive Type:	Solar/Wind Access Policy
Web Site:
Administrator:
Start Date:
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies:	Solar - Passive Solar Water Heat Solar Space Heat Solar Photovoltaics Solar Pool Heating

Authorities

Name:	Va. Code § 55.1-137 et seq.
Date Enacted:	1978

Contact

Name:	Department of Environmental Quality
Address:	1105 East Main Street, Ste. 1400 Richmond VA 23219
Phone:	(804) 698-4000

This information is sourced from DSIRE; the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University.