Thinking about going solar in an HOA community? You may have to pass through some extra hurdles, but the good news is that Arizona law is on your side. State legislation protects your right to install solar panels, even if your HOA isn’t too keen on the idea.
That said, just because homeowners associations can’t legally prohibit solar panels, it doesn’t mean you should skip their approval process entirely. Solar panels installed without HOA approval can be flagged as ‘non-HOA approved,’ which could lead to issues when it’s time to sell your home.
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about installing solar systems in an HOA community, including what your HOA can and can’t do, Arizona solar access laws, and how to navigate the HOA approval process for solar panels.
In Arizona, your HOA cannot legally stop you from installing a solar energy system. Thanks to our solar access laws (more on that later), homeowners have the right to harness solar power and HOAs are prohibited from enforcing rules that effectively prevent solar installations.
That said, HOAs can still influence how and where your solar panels are installed. They may request changes to panel placement for aesthetic reasons or ask for documentation to ensure proper permitting process and safety standards. Some associations might try to have you install panels on the rear-facing portion of your roof so they’re not visible from the street – but if that orientation significantly reduces system performance, state law says that the HOA must allow a more efficient placement.
See: Solar Panel Direction: What is the Best Angle?
It’s also worth noting that, even though HOAs can’t outright deny your installation, they can slow down your timeline. Some may take 30 to 60 days to approve applications or require multiple rounds of review. That’s why we recommend engaging with your HOA early in the process to avoid unnecessary delays.
Even though HOAs can’t legally stop you from getting solar, that doesn’t mean they won’t raise objections. Here are the most common HOA objections to going solar:
It’s worth noting that in states without solar access rights, HOAs can legally block a solar installation. But in Arizona, an outright denial may actually violate state law, especially if the restrictions reduce your system’s efficiency or increase installation costs.
Read More: Do Solar Panels Increase Home Value?
One thing HOAs can do is influence how and where your solar panels are installed. Some common HOA-imposed solar restrictions include:
Both solar access laws and solar easements play a role when it comes to navigating HOA rules for solar:
Arizona doesn't currently have a formal solar easement law in place, however we do have a solar access law that protects your right to power your home with renewable energy.
Under Arizona Revised Statute 33-1816, your HOA cannot prohibit you from installing solar panels on your property. However, they can impose reasonable restrictions on how and where those panels are installed – as long as these restrictions don’t:
This means that while your HOA can request design adjustments (like flush-mounted panels or using specific colors), they can’t enforce rules that make your solar system significantly less effective or more expensive. It might take a bit of careful planning to adhere to your HOAs regulations, but it’s certainly doable.
Similar Reading: Federal Solar Tax Credit: Everything You Need to Know
Getting HOA approval for your solar panel installation might feel daunting, but it can actually be quite a straightforward process. Remember, you have Arizona law on your side and many HOA boards will be open to the idea if you take the time to present a well-documented proposal.
Here’s how to make the HOA solar approval process as smooth as possible:
Start by reviewing your HOA’s covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). These documents outline what’s expected when making changes to your home’s exterior, including solar installations.
Look for sections that specifically cover design, visibility, and roof modifications, and check what the application process involves. It’s always good to show you’ve done your research and are going by the books.
By now, you should have a solid understanding of your legal rights when it comes to solar. To recap: HOAs in Arizona cannot prohibit solar outright. Under A.R.S. 33-1816, any restrictions they impose must be reasonable and cannot significantly impact the cost or performance of your system.
Knowing you’re protected with this law should give you the confidence to advocate for your solar project while still respecting the HOA’s role.
Having a well-prepared application shows the HOA board that you’ve done your homework and are approaching the project with consideration. To do this, gather all the documentation your HOA requires. This might include:
If your HOA has approved similar installations in the past, it can be helpful to reference those to strengthen your case. You might also want to emphasize the benefits of solar panels, such as lower energy bills, environmental sustainability, increased property value, and even enhancing the HOA community's reputation as a leader in green initiatives.
Read: Top Reasons to Go Solar in Arizona
Before submitting your application, you might want to consider scheduling an informal meeting with the HOA board or its architectural committee. This conversation shows your willingness to collaborate and can help you gather feedback and identify any potential concerns beforehand.
When you do submit the application, keep communication clear, straightforward, and free of jargon. Focus on the facts and highlight how your system complies with the HOA guidelines and state law.
If the board requests changes that don’t significantly reduce performance or increase cost, it’s often worth making those adjustments to keep things moving. Being flexible can go a long way in maintaining a good relationship with your HOA.
Always document the process, including emails, submitted plans, and meeting notes. These can be helpful if any questions come up later on.
Getting a ‘no’ from your HOA can be frustrating, but it doesn’t mean that your solar dreams are over. Here’s what to do if your HOA denies your solar application:
First, request for written feedback on exactly why your proposal was rejected. Knowing the board’s reasonings can help you address their concerns in your revised application.
Review your legal rights and HOA’s governing documents to make sure the board is not overstepping. If their rejection violates solar access laws, you may be within your rights to challenge the decision.
Next, you’ll want to go over your proposal and strengthen it based on the feedback you received. You may need to gather additional documentation to support your case, such as:
It might also be helpful to include official permits or letters from your solar installer confirming that your project meets all code and safety requirements.
Most HOAs have a form appeals process. If you feel the denial was unreasonable, submit your revised application directly addressing each of the concerns raised by the board. Be respectful but firm in outlining your legal rights and the steps you’ve taken to comply with HOA guidelines.
If your appeal is unsuccessful, you may want to look in mediation. In Arizona, the Department of Real Estate offers HOA mediation services that may help resolve disputes without resorting to legal action.
Even though you may be feeling frustrated, it’s important to stay respectful and keep communication courteous. Maintaining a positive relationship with your HOA can go a long way if your application comes back for review, and in the future in general.
At the end of the day, you might need to make some compromises to keep your solar plans alive. This might mean getting less solar panels or installing them in a different location. However, if the compromise negatively affects your solar production and installation costs, you’re well within your rights to keep pushing back.
If you decide to forgo the HOA approval process and install your solar panels anyway, the HOA can mark your rooftop solar array as being ‘non-HOA approved’. This can create an extra hurdle to overcome at resale, since the non-approval status will be indicated on the listing.
Whether or not this matters to the buyer depends on the buyer, but it can create additional complications that you may be better off without. We always recommend working with your HOA, both to maintain a good relationship and prevent issues at resale.
Keep Reading: Selling Your Home With Solar Panels: Expert Guide 2025
By now, you’ve got a good idea of your rights as an Arizona homeowner and how to navigate the HOA approval process for your solar installation. Ready to kick things off? Contact us today to schedule a free solar installation.
With decades of experience installing solar in HOA communities across Arizona, our team will be more than happy to walk you through what’s involved and provide any documentation you need for approval. We custom-design every solar project to make sure it adheres to your HOA’s specific guidelines, without compromising performance or long-term savings.
Give us a call on 480-576-5693 or contact us here to start your solar project.