Brentwood, CA Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)

The California Solar Rights Act (Civil Code §714) is a powerful homeowner protection. It renders void any covenant, restriction, or condition in an HOA CC&R that effectively prohibits or unreasonably restricts the installation or use of a solar energy system. 'Significantly' in this context means any restriction that reduces system efficiency by more than 10% or increases the cost by more than a statutorily adjusted amount (currently around $1,000 for PV and $1,000 for solar water heating systems, subject to updates). HOAs may impose 'reasonable' aesthetic conditions — such as requesting panels be installed on the rear or side roof planes when the efficiency loss is 10% or less — but cannot require relocation that would significantly reduce production. The Act applies to both single-family homes and condominiums, with expanded provisions under SB 1086 (2024) for common-area installations and shared systems. HOA review must be completed within 45 days of a complete application; failure to act is deemed approval. HOAs that violate §714 are liable for the homeowner's actual damages plus a civil penalty up to $1,000, and for attorneys' fees. Many Brentwood neighborhoods are HOA-governed, and some boards initially push back on solar requests; homeowners should submit a clear, complete application with efficiency documentation and cite Civil Code §714 as needed. Battery storage is increasingly covered under similar protections, and the 2022 amendments extended protections to EV charging stations in common-interest developments.