You’d think adding solar would be a personal decision. Your roof, your power, your call. But if you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners' association, it adds another layer to consider. How much authority do they really have over your solar project? And what should you expect once you get started? Here’s what to know before moving forward.
In California, state law protects the homeowner’s right to install solar panels. HOAs can't ban solar outright, but they may have rules about how it's done. Understanding the limits of their power and how to work with them can help you move your solar project forward with confidence.
California’s Solar Rights Act gives homeowners the right to install solar panels, even if they live in an HOA. That doesn’t mean your HOA is totally out of the picture. They can still request changes to your system, but those requests have to be considered “reasonable.” There are rules they have to follow and understanding those rules puts you in control of the conversation.
In most cases, no. California law favors homeowners who want solar panels, even in HOA communities.
California Solar Access Laws
The California Solar Rights Act places strict limits on what HOAs can and cannot do when it comes to solar installations. This law was among the first in the country to protect homeowners' solar rights and includes strong enforcement tools.
California isn't the only state with these protections. Forty states, along with Washington DC, have laws that support solar access in some form. See where your state stands:
Here's what your HOA cannot do:
Your HOA can have input on your solar array, but their requests have to be reasonable. They can't make demands that would significantly increase costs or reduce efficiency.
Even with legal protections, your HOA will have opinions about your solar installation. Here are the areas they typically care about.
Panel Placement
Many HOAs prefer panels on the sides or back of the home rather than facing the street. California law prevents them from requiring placement that significantly reduces your system's performance.
Panel Color
Some HOAs require black panels with black frames instead of blue panels with silver frames for a sleeker look. They cannot require this upgrade if it costs more than $1,000 or reduces efficiency.
Equipment Location
HOAs often want batteries, inverters, and electrical equipment that is less visible from the street. This usually isn't a problem since installers can place equipment in less visible areas, such as side yards or garages, without affecting performance.
Other Considerations
HOAs may ask about glare concerns or require critter guards to prevent animals from nesting under panels.
Working with an HOA doesn’t have to be a headache. Here’s how to stay a step ahead:
How Solar Adds Value Beyond Savings
An expert-designed solar system can increase your home’s value, on top of helping you save on energy costs each month. Buyers are increasingly looking for homes with built-in energy savings, especially in parts of California where utility costs are high. In fact, studies have shown that homes with solar tend to sell faster and at higher prices compared to similar homes without solar.
In California, yes! Your HOA can’t stop you, though they might shape how your system looks. The key is understanding the rules, staying proactive, and working with an installer who understands what it takes to get your system quickly approved by your HOA.
Citadel has worked with HOAs across the state and helped thousands of homeowners go solar without the stress. We know what documents to prepare, what designs tend to get approved, and how to get things moving faster.
Ready to get started? We’ll guide you through every step, from paperwork to final approval, so your solar project stays on track and gets approved without delays or complications.