Fortunately, an HOA cannot deny solar panels in California. If your homeowner’s association (HOA) is giving you a hard time, look into the California Solar Rights Act. This legislation protects your right to install a solar energy system. It outlines the guidelines an HOA has to follow if they want to place reasonable restrictions on your solar installation.
California Solar Rights Act
The California Solar Rights Act, established under CA Civil Code 714, firmly forbids homeowners associations (HOAs) from disallowing the installation of solar panels on residential properties. The Act meticulously outlines the parameters of a solar panel system, characterizing it as an apparatus or architectural element designed to gather, retain, and disperse solar energy for purposes such as space conditioning (heating and cooling), electricity production, and water heating. This legal provision assumes paramount importance as it functions as an impregnable shield, safeguarding your entire solar panel installation from any potential objections or restrictions imposed by your HOA.
With this essential foundation in mind, let’s delve into the intricacies of certain “reasonable” limitations that are worth acquainting yourself with.
Reasonable restrictions permitted
Under the California Solar Rights Act, homeowners’ associations are allowed to place reasonable restrictions on solar energy systems as long as they don’t significantly increase the cost of the system or significantly decrease its efficiency or performance. So, what does that mean?
Currently, HOAs in California can’t impose reasonable restrictions on a solar energy system that’ll add more than $1,000 to the cost or limit the system’s efficiency by 10%.
So, can HOA restrict solar panels in California?
The answer is no; an HOA can’t restrict or deny solar panels in California. The state does permit HOAs to set parameters within reason on solar panel installations. However, it might violate your rights if your HOA tells you not to install your solar panels.
We know that navigating provisions can be a difficult and time-consuming process. That’s why we’ve got you covered. Home Solar Simplified is a premier solar company in California. Our trusted installers are knowledgeable enough to follow HOA guidelines and electric codes. We make sure your solar installation is a smooth and easy process.
By
