Compare by state
Solar Energy: what each state's HOA law says
Key provisions from 8 official statutes. Every entry comes from the statute's own wording; open a statute for the exact quote and full text.
| Jurisdiction | Can the HOA ban it? | Restrictions the HOA may set | Approval process | Attorney fees and costs | Litigation costs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | No, the HOA shall not prohibit installation or use. | May set reasonable placement rules that don't prevent installation or impair function. | No separate entry | Court awards reasonable attorney fees and costs to a substantially prevailing party. | No separate entry | A.R.S. 33-1816 |
| Florida | No, deed restrictions cannot prohibit renewable energy devices or clotheslines. | The HOA may designate roof locations facing south or within 45 degrees. | Property owners cannot be denied permission to install solar collectors. | No separate entry | The prevailing party in litigation gets reasonable attorney fees and costs. | Fla. Stat. 163.04 |
| Illinois | No, banning solar energy systems is prohibited | No separate entry | No separate entry | No separate entry | No separate entry | 765 Ill. Comp. Stat. 165/15 |
| Illinois | No separate entry | No higher solar application fee than other changes | Processed within 30 days of submission | No separate entry | No separate entry | 765 Ill. Comp. Stat. 165/30 |
| Oregon | No, bans on solar panels are void and unenforceable | Reasonable size, placement or aesthetic requirements | No separate entry | No separate entry | No separate entry | Or. Rev. Stat. 94.778 |
| Texas | No, except for specific health, safety, or location reasons. | Limits on roof height, yard fence height, frame color, and warranties. | HOA cannot withhold approval if rules met; written denial for substantial interference. | No separate entry | No separate entry | Tex. Prop. Code 202.010 |
| Virginia | Only if the recorded declaration prohibits it | Reasonable limits on size, place, and manner of placement | Owner provides documentation from a certified Virginia solar specialist | No separate entry | No separate entry | Va. Code 55.1-1820.1 |
| Washington | No, unless panel fails health, safety, or certification rules | Yes, limits on roof visibility, street-facing slope, appearance, shielding, and liability | No separate entry | No separate entry | No separate entry | Wash. Rev. Code 64.38.055 |
A dash means we have no separate entry for that column. It does not mean the law is silent: the point may be covered in another column or elsewhere in the statute, so open the statute for its full text.
Statutes on this topic
Fla. Stat. 163.04: Energy devices based on renewable resources
Plain-English guide: Florida HOA Solar Rights: Fla. Stat. 163.04 Explained765 Ill. Comp. Stat. 165/15: Associations; prohibitions
765 Ill. Comp. Stat. 165/30: Application for approval
Or. Rev. Stat. 94.778: Prohibition against installation of solar panels void and unenforceable
Tex. Prop. Code 202.010: Regulation of solar energy devices
Plain-English guide: Texas HOA Solar Energy Device RegulationVa. Code 55.1-1820.1: Installation of solar energy collection devices
Wash. Rev. Code 64.38.055: Governing documents; solar panels
This page is general legal information, not legal advice, and Harrington Community is not a law firm. For advice about your situation, contact a licensed attorney or your state bar's lawyer referral service.