When purchasing a home in an HOA, you make a contractual agreement to adhere to certain rules and guidelines concerning the aesthetic of your property. These rules can pertain to simple elements like paint color, landscaping, lawns and porch décor, and larger alterations like decks, structural changes, or the addition of solar panels. So, what restrictions, if any, can an HOA place on homeowners when it comes to installing solar panels, and what rights do homeowners have when it comes to generating solar electricity?
A Brightening Trend
Solar panels have gained great popularity in the last several years, and not just among non-association property owners. HOA homeowners have also become increasingly interested in the economic and environmental benefits offered by going solar. Solar companies promise decreased energy bills and advertise appealing tax incentives and rebates.
Does my HOA Allow Solar?
While many HOAs contain regulations prohibiting their members from installing solar panels, several states have passed legislation protecting homeowners’ rights to generate solar power in recent years. These laws generally fall under the following two categories:
- Solar Access Laws – These laws prohibit HOAs from preventing their members from installing solar panels while still allowing the association to place reasonable restrictions on the solar systems themselves, such as design or aesthetics.
- Solar Easements – A solar easement acts as an agreement between the property owners, their neighbors, and the HOA. It allows the homeowner to ensure that their solar panels operate at full capacity and can specify things like requiring a neighbor to keep trees trimmed or preventing them from building an impeding structure.
Check your Association and State Laws
With several bills including provisions that protect homeowners’ rights to generate solar electricity on the horizon, the potential of seeing more solar panels in HOAs is increasing.
Before committing to solar power, it is important for homeowners to review their governing documents and state legislation. Even if a potentially outdated rule exists in your HOA prohibiting solar, your state may have legislation that overrides it. For example, in passing HB-431, Texas has expanded the definition of solar energy devices to include “solar roof tiles,” which are integrated into the roof structure and serve the same purpose as traditional solar panels. This change ensures that homeowners can use solar roof tiles without facing restrictions from their HOA.
This change is as recent as of May 29, 2025, and HOAs should review and update their solar panel and solar energy device policies to accommodate solar roof tiles, ensuring compliance with the new law.
While HOA rules and regulations can seem restricting, they are in place to protect homeowners and with the best interest of the community in mind. When considering large alterations or additions like solar panels, homeowners must do their due diligence to understand their rights and ensure that they comply with the proper installation process and secure the best possible outcome.
To learn more rules and guidelines concerning the aesthetic of your property, subscribe to the Spectrum Management Association Blog today! If you’re looking for help managing your community, then consider requesting a free HOA management proposal to see what makes us different from other management companies.
