Colorado Springs, CO Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- C.R.S. 38-30-168 Solar Rights Act
- HOA Restrictions
- Cannot unreasonably restrict solar devices
- Cost Impact Limit
- HOA rules cannot increase cost by more than 10%
- Efficiency Limit
- HOA rules cannot reduce efficiency by more than 10%
- CCIOA
- Additional solar protections under common interest act
Summary
Colorado state law C.R.S. 38-30-168 (the Colorado Solar Rights Act) prohibits homeowner associations and restrictive covenants from unreasonably restricting the installation of solar energy devices on residential property. HOAs may impose reasonable aesthetic requirements such as panel color or placement preferences but cannot ban solar installations or impose conditions that would increase cost by more than 10% or reduce efficiency by more than 10%. The Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act (CCIOA) further reinforces solar access protections for community association members.
38-30-168. Unreasonable restrictions on renewable energy generation devices - definitions. (1) (a) A covenant, restriction, or condition contained in any deed, contract, security instrument, or other instrument affecting the transfer or sale of, or any interest in, real property that effectively prohibits or restricts the installation or use of a renewable energy generation device is void and unenforceable.
(b) As used in this section, "renewable energy generation device" means:
(I) A solar energy device, as defined in section 38-32.5-100.3; Colorado Revised Statutes 2023 Page 346 of 681 Uncertified Printout
(II) A wind-electric generator that meets the interconnection standards established in rules promulgated by the public utilities commission pursuant to section 4
Full Breakdown
Most states have enacted solar access or solar rights laws that limit HOA restrictions on solar panel installations. These laws typically prevent HOAs from banning rooftop solar systems outright or imposing conditions that significantly increase cost or decrease efficiency. HOAs may have reasonable aesthetic guidelines such as preferred placement, color matching, and screening from street view, but cannot effectively prohibit installation. Architectural review committees must use objective criteria. Ground-mounted systems may face more HOA restrictions than roof-mounted panels. Battery storage systems may have separate HOA guidelines. CC&R provisions that contradict state solar access laws are generally unenforceable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA in Colorado Springs prevent me from installing solar panels?
What aesthetic requirements can an HOA impose on solar panels?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Colorado Springs
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