How Allen Handles Solar Energy: A Practical Guide

Every city handles solar energy a little differently. In Allen, Texas, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

HOA Restrictions

Texas Property Code 202.010 preempts HOA solar bans statewide. Allen HOAs cannot prohibit solar but may impose reasonable aesthetic restrictions. Panels must be on rear or non-street-facing roof if equivalent production available.

Key details: State Law: TX Prop Code 202.010. HOA Ban: Prohibited. Output Limit: Cannot reduce over 10%. Attorney Fees: Available to homeowner.

HOA enforcement of illegal ban: homeowner may sue for injunction and attorney fees under 202.010(f).

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Allen gives residents more flexibility on hoa restrictions.

Panel Permits

Allen requires electrical and building permits for solar PV, typically 300-500 dollars combined. 2020 NEC and 2021 IRC Section R324 apply. Over-the-counter approval for standard residential rooftop systems within 5 business days.

Key details: Fee: 300-500 dollars combined. Codes: 2020 NEC, 2021 IRC R324. Turnaround: 5 business days. Utility: Oncor interconnection.

Unpermitted install: 500-2,000 dollars plus retroactive permit and inspection. Utility may refuse interconnection.

The rules around panel permits in Allen lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Allen gives residents more room on solar energy. 2 of the 2 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

These rules come from Allen's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.