Camarillo, CA Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)

California Civil Code Section 714 declares void any CC&R provision that effectively prohibits or unreasonably restricts solar energy installations. HOAs may impose reasonable aesthetic requirements but cannot: increase the cost of the system by more than $1,000, decrease system efficiency by more than 10%, or require the system to be placed in a location that significantly reduces its energy production. Civil Code 714.1 provides expedited dispute resolution for solar access disputes. Government Code 65850.5 (AB 2188) ensures streamlined city permitting. Solar easements under Civil Code 801.5 protect existing solar access from obstruction by neighboring properties or trees. In Camarillo's HOA-heavy environment, these state protections are particularly important. HOAs may request reasonable accommodations such as panel placement, conduit routing, and equipment screening, but they bear the burden of proving any restriction does not unreasonably impair the solar installation. AB 634 further prohibits HOAs from requiring members to seek approval before installing solar panels if the association's guidelines would violate Civil Code 714.