Can my HOA prevent me from installing solar panels?

What the Law Says

California law strongly protects homeowners’ right to install solar energy systems, even in communities governed by HOAs. The law limits what restrictions an HOA can impose and sets clear deadlines and cost limits.

Under California Civil Code §714, HOAs may not prohibit or unreasonably restrict the installation of solar energy systems on a homeowner’s property — including roofs of single-family homes and condominiums’ exclusive use areas.

An HOA restriction is considered 'unreasonable' if it increases the cost of the system by more than 10%, decreases its efficiency by more than 10%, or delays installation by more than 30 days after a complete application is submitted.

The law applies to systems that meet applicable building codes and fire safety standards. HOAs may require reasonable aesthetic guidelines — but only if those guidelines do not impair system performance or add excessive cost.

Statutory Text

An association shall not impose a restriction that unreasonably increases the cost of, or decreases the efficiency of, a solar energy system.

— Civil Code §714(a) — Solar Energy Systems; Restrictions Prohibited

Statutory Text

A restriction is unreasonable if it increases the cost of the system by more than 10 percent or decreases its efficiency by more than 10 percent.

— Civil Code §714(b)(1) — Definition of Unreasonable Restriction

Statutory Text

The association shall approve or deny the application within 30 days after receipt of a completed application.

— Civil Code §714(e) — Time for Approval or Denial

What Courts Have Said

Courts have consistently upheld the strong protections in Civil Code §714, rejecting HOA attempts to block solar installations based on vague aesthetic concerns.

What to Do

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