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Solar Energy

McKinney's Relaxed Approach to Solar Energy: What's Allowed

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Every city handles solar energy a little differently. In McKinney, 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.

Panel Permits

McKinney permits solar panel installation on residential and commercial properties. Building and electrical permits required. Roof-mounted systems typically permitted over the counter. Texas Property Code 202.010 prevents HOAs from unreasonably restricting solar devices.

Key details: Permits: Building plus electrical. Code: 2020 NEC Art 690. State Law: TX Prop Code 202.010. Utility: Oncor interconnection. Fee: 150-300 dollars.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

McKinney is more permissive than most cities when it comes to panel permits. That said, there are still limits.

HOA Restrictions

Texas Property Code 202.010 (Solar Rights Act) prohibits HOAs in McKinney from banning solar energy devices. HOAs may regulate location and appearance only if restrictions do not reduce system output by more than 10 percent or add over 5 percent to installation cost.

Key details: State Law: TX Prop Code 202.010. Outright Ban: Prohibited. Output Reduction: 10 percent max. Cost Impact: 5 percent max. Flush Mount: Allowed requirement.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

McKinney is more permissive than most cities when it comes to hoa restrictions. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, McKinney 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.

All of the above reflects McKinney's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.