Property Rights
Can My HOA Ban Solar Panels?
By The HOARebel Team · May 25, 2026 · 2 min read
Solar panels are one of the clearest examples of state law overriding an HOA's governing documents. Many states have passed "solar rights" or "solar access" laws that render covenants banning solar systems unenforceable. This is general information about how those laws tend to work, not legal advice — and because solar protection is state-specific, the details vary considerably.
"Solar rights" laws void outright bans
In states with these statutes, a covenant that prohibits solar generally cannot be enforced. California's Solar Rights Act, Civil Code §714, is a leading example:
"Any covenant, restriction, or condition contained in any deed, contract, security instrument, or other instrument affecting the transfer or sale of, or any interest in, real property ... that effectively prohibits or restricts the installation or use of a solar energy system is void and unenforceable." — §714(a), Cal. Civ. Code
Texas takes a similar approach. Under Texas Property Code §202.010, "A property owners' association may not include or enforce a provision in a dedicative instrument that prohibits or restricts a property owner from installing a solar energy device," with a provision voiding restrictions that violate the section.
Reasonable restrictions can still apply
These laws generally void bans, not all rules. California's §714 permits "reasonable restrictions" that do not significantly increase the system's cost or significantly decrease its efficiency, and the statute defines those thresholds. Texas §202.010 likewise lists specific, limited grounds on which an association may still regulate placement and appearance. So an association may often have some say over how a system is installed, even when it cannot prohibit one.
The bigger picture
Whether your HOA can ban solar comes down largely to your state's solar law — and not every state has one, or protects to the same degree. Where a solar-rights statute applies, outright bans are typically void, but reasonable, narrowly drawn restrictions may survive. How a specific restriction measures up is fact-specific, and a licensed attorney in your state is the appropriate resource.
Frequently asked questions
Can my HOA flatly prohibit solar panels?
In states with solar-rights laws, usually not — statutes like California's §714 and Texas's §202.010 make covenants that prohibit or unreasonably restrict solar systems void or unenforceable. In states without such a law, the governing documents may carry more weight.
Can the HOA still have rules about my panels?
Often yes. These laws typically allow reasonable restrictions that don't significantly raise the cost or cut the efficiency of the system, and may permit limited rules on placement and appearance.
How do I know if my state protects solar?
Solar protection is state-specific. A licensed attorney in your state, or your state's statutes on solar energy systems, is the right place to confirm what applies to you.