Solar Energy in Franklin, TN (2026)
2 verified solar energy rules for Franklin, Tennessee, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Panel Permits
Residential rooftop and small ground-mount solar installations in Franklin require a building (and electrical) permit through Building & Neighborhood Services, applying the statewide 2018 International Residential Code and 2017 NEC adopted by Tennessee, plus city amendments under Title 12. Tennessee has NO statewide residential 'solar bill of rights' that preempts HOA restrictions, so private deed restrictions and HOA covenants can still limit panel installation. Larger 'solar energy facilities' (utility-scale) are now regulated under 2024 TN HB 0149 (Public Chapter 936) — but those rules exempt local jurisdictions with their own solar regulations adopted by July 1, 2025 and do NOT apply to small residential systems.
Franklin Solar Panel Permits
Some RestrictionsHOA Restrictions
Tennessee does NOT have a strong statewide solar-rights statute that overrides HOA restrictions — a sharp contrast with Florida, California, Texas, Colorado, and Arizona. The Tennessee Solar Access Law of 1979 (T.C.A. 66-9-201 et seq.) only authorizes VOLUNTARY solar easements between adjoining property owners; it does NOT preempt HOA covenants. HOAs in Franklin can lawfully restrict, condition, or prohibit residential solar PV through their recorded Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) and architectural review committee approvals. Franklin homeowners should read CC&Rs and ARC guidelines BEFORE signing a solar contract.
Solar HOA Restrictions in Franklin
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Williamson County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Franklin city rules.
Solar Energy in Williamson County →