HOA’s and Solar Panels
What do I need to know before I add solar to my home in an HOA?
Disclaimer: This webpage is intended to serve as a general guide with respect to installing solar panels on homes within homeowners associations (HOA’s). It is not intended to replace the advice and recommendations of qualified attorneys, legal professionals, or the guidance from your own homeowners association (HOA). We are not legal professionals and the following does not serve as formal legal advice. When making a purchasing decision, seek the guidance of your homeowners associations (HOA) and obtain the necessary approvals.
July 7, 2023
What is an HOA?
If you own a home in a neighborhood with a Homeowners Association (HOA), you probably already know what an HOA is. But, for those who need a refresher, an HOA is an organization managing and governing various aspects of the homes and common areas within a neighborhood. Not all neighborhoods have them, but some do.
The primary purpose of a homeowners association is to establish and enforce rules, regulations, and standards to maintain the overall appearance, functionality, and value of the properties within the community (think: exterior paint colors, maintaining homes’ yards, hiring gardeners for shared spaces, etc). The rules are typically outlined in a legal document called the "Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions" (CC&R) or a similar governing document.
Homeowners associations are usually managed by a board of directors or elected officers who represent the interests of the community's residents. The board is responsible for making decisions regarding the management, maintenance, and finances of the association. They may hire a professional management company to assist with various tasks.
OK, what does this mean for solar on my home?
First, the HOA cannot prevent you from placing solar panels on your roof; however, they may be able to prevent you from placing the panels in areas visible from the street depending on the rules they have setup. It would be good to familiarize yourself with the RCW as well as any existing rules the HOA has in place.
How should I get started?
Reach out to your HOA and see if they have any rules regarding solar. Don’t be surprised if they haven’t considered solar yet. If they do have rules, share them with your Sales & Design representative so they can weave any guidelines into their design. With all of that said, most HOAs we’ve come across have been fairly flexible.
If your HOA doesn’t have any rules for solar, check to see if there is a way to obtain an approval for a solar panel system without official rules. HOA’s don’t have rules for every single thing a homeowner would like to do to their home, so they may just review the plans and designs as projects come in.
If rules need to be in place prior to approval, get the conversation started! If the HOA officers need resources, we can help. We’ve assisted by lending our expertise to HOAs as they devise new solar rules and regulations. Nowadays, most people are looking to the future and solar is a part of our future. So, most people are open to solar in their neighborhoods.
I’ve got my design and I want to move forward. What next?
After you’ve received the rules from the HOA, shared them with your Sales & Design representative, and you’ve landed on a design you like, send it, along with any other documentation needed, to your HOA officials for review. Once the project has been approved with your HOA, you’re good to go!
We’ll deliver all of the design considerations to our Project Managers so they can ensure your HOA’s rules are followed and there aren’t any issues to be addressed after installation.
Blossom Solar doesn’t know you have an HOA.
Something to keep in mind is that Blossom Solar doesn’t know you have an HOA. It’s your responsibility to remain in compliance with your homeowners association. We will do what we can to help you through the process, but it is ultimately your responsibility to abide by the rules outlined in the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R) or whatever legal document your HOA has adopted.
In summary…
Notify your HOA of your project.
Relay any necessary information (design considerations, conduit run rules, etc) to your Sales & Design representative.
Obtain the necessary approval from your HOA.
HOA’s cannot prevent you from installing solar, but may prevent installation on certain areas of your roof.
