Glendale's Solar Energy: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles solar energy a little differently. In Glendale, Arizona, 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

Arizona has strong solar access protections under A.R.S. 33-1816 and A.R.S. 44-1761 that apply in Glendale. HOAs cannot prohibit solar energy devices and may only impose reasonable aesthetic requirements that do not increase installation cost by more than $1,000 or decrease system efficiency by more than 10%. Any CC&R provision that effectively prohibits solar is void under state law.

Key details: State Protection: A.R.S. 33-1816 prohibits solar bans by HOAs. Cost Limit: HOA rules cannot add more than $1,000 to cost. Efficiency Impact: Cannot reduce efficiency by more than 10%. Void Provisions: CC&R clauses banning solar are unenforceable. Solar Rights: A.R.S. 44-1761 protects solar access.

HOA fines for non-compliance with aesthetic guidelines: varies by CC&Rs. Installing without HOA approval where required: typically $50 to $200 fines until resolved. HOA illegally blocking solar: homeowner may recover legal costs.

The rules around hoa restrictions in Glendale lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Panel Permits

Glendale requires building permits for solar panel installations on residential and commercial properties under Chapter 9 (Building and Building Regulations). Arizona law (A.R.S. 44-1761) prohibits unreasonable restrictions on solar energy devices and requires streamlined permitting. Glendale offers an expedited solar permit process for standard rooftop photovoltaic systems that meet prescriptive criteria.

Key details: Permit Required: Building permit for all solar installations. State Law: A.R.S. 44-1761 protects solar rights. Expedited Review: Available for standard rooftop PV systems. Electrical Inspection: Required before utility interconnection. Code Section: Glendale City Code Ch. 9.

Installation without permit: retroactive permit required plus fines $200 to $1,000. Electrical code violations: correction order. Failure to obtain utility interconnection: system must be disconnected.

The Bottom Line

Glendale's solar energy rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Glendale is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Glendale can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.