Increased protections for homeowners seeking to install solar energy systems (i.e., solar panels) on their properties. Limits HOA regulatory authority.
Current Status: Chaptered
FindHOALaw Quick Summary:
The California Solar Rights Act found at Civil Code Sections 714 and 714.1 provides certain protections for owners seeking to install solar energy systems (i.e., solar panels) on their properties. Current law permits HOAs to impose “reasonable restrictions” on the installation of solar energy systems. In sum, AB 2188 (Muratsuchi) will serve to reduce the extent of a HOA’s architectural control authority in this respect by invalidating any HOA restrictions on solar energy systems that serve to reduce a proposed system’s performance by more than 10% or increase its costs by more that $1,000.
*UPDATE: AB 2188 was approved on September 21, 2014 and its changes to the law went into effect on January 1, 2015.
from the California Legislature's website
Related Topics
Related Statutes
Related Case Law
- Tesoro del Valle Master Homeowners Assn. v. Griffin
(2011) 200 Cal.App.4th 619
[Architectural Control; Solar Energy] An association may consider aesthetic impacts in connection with reviewing and approving an owner’s application for a proposed solar energy system.