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

If you live in Tempe or are thinking about moving there, solar energy are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Tempe has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of solar energy, and some of them might surprise you.

HOA Restrictions

Arizona law (ARS 33-1816) strongly protects homeowners' rights to install solar panels. HOAs cannot prohibit solar installations or impose restrictions that increase cost by more than $1,000 or decrease efficiency by more than 10%. Tempe has significant solar potential given the extreme sun exposure. Many Tempe homes and businesses have solar installations.

Key details: State Law: ARS 33-1816 - strong solar access rights. HOA Limit: Cannot increase cost by >$1,000 or decrease efficiency by >10%. Solar Potential: 300+ days sunshine, excellent generation. Utilities: APS and SRP serve Tempe. Permit: Building permit required for installation.

HOA restrictions violating ARS 33-1816 are void and unenforceable. Homeowners can enforce their solar rights through civil action.

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

Panel Permits

Tempe requires a building permit for residential solar panel installations covering both electrical and structural components. The city has streamlined the solar permitting process. Inspections verify proper installation and compliance with the National Electrical Code. Most residential rooftop installations are approved within a few business days of complete application.

Key details: Permit: Required for all solar installations. Processing: Streamlined, typically a few business days. Inspections: Electrical, structural, and NEC compliance. Codes: IRC and NEC as adopted by Tempe. Tax Incentives: Arizona state + federal solar tax credits.

Solar installations without permits may face code enforcement action and must be inspected before utility interconnection. Utilities may refuse to connect unpermitted systems.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Tempe gives residents more flexibility on panel permits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Tempe 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 Tempe'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.