Are homeowners associations preventing homeowners from installing solar panels?

Homeowners Associations (HOAs) can present significant barriers to homeowners' ability to install solar. In 2020, Solar United Neighbors estimated that HOAs had wrongly denied solar installation to residents in Virginia, costing solar contractors over $7 million in retail solar sales since 2014.

Should the solar industry stay vigilant on Hoa solar issues?

According to Laura Ann Arnold of the Indiana Distributed Energy Alliance, the solar industry as a whole needs to stay vigilant on HOA solar issues. This is particularly important in states like Indiana, which currently have numerous solar related HOA challenges. The public's interest in solar energy is growing, and the industry must work to educate them.

Can a Hoa prohibit solar panels?

Solar access laws prevent HOAs from prohibiting solar panel installations or having contracts that restrict homeowners from installing them. However, HOAs can usually make certain requests about a system, as long as they don’t make the proposed solar system less effective or more expensive.

How do HOAs regulate solar panels?

Each state has its own set of laws regarding solar access, which can influence how HOAs govern solar panel installations. For instance, some states have "solar easement provisions" that limit the ability of HOAs to restrict solar installations outright. Federal laws also play a role, particularly through policies that encourage renewable energy.

Are Hoa solar installations legal in Arizona?

In Arizona, the approval process for HOA solar installations is considered very easy according to Custard. He mentions that 60-80% of installations by Pur Solar & Electrical involve HOAs, and they have never been rejected.

Is solar a burdensome homeowners association?

In many states, homeowners associations (HOAs) are still butting heads with homeowners that want to install solar, despite Virginia's law protecting homeowners from burdensome restrictions.