Denton, TX Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- TX Property Code 202.010
- HOA Ban
- Prohibited by state law
- Cost Increase Cap
- HOA rules cannot add more than 10% cost
- Performance Cap
- Cannot reduce output by more than 10%
- Enforcement
- TX Attorney General or civil action
Summary
TX Property Code 202.010 bars Denton HOAs from banning solar panels. HOA rules cannot increase cost by more than 10% or cut output by more than 10%. Violations are void under state law.
Sec. 202.010. REGULATION OF SOLAR ENERGY DEVICES. (b) Except as otherwise provided by Subsection (d), a property owners' association may not include or enforce a provision in a dedicatory instrument that prohibits or restricts a property owner from installing a solar energy device. (c) A provision that violates Subsection (b) is void. (d) A property owners' association may include or enforce a provision that prohibits a solar energy device that: (1) as adjudicated by a court: (A) threatens the public health or safety; or (B) violates a law;... (5) if mounted on the roof of the home: (A) extends higher than or beyond the roofline...
Full Breakdown
010, enacted in 2011 and strengthened by subsequent amendments, provides strong protections for homeowners who want to install solar panels in HOA-governed communities in Denton. The statute declares that a property owners association may not include or enforce a provision in a dedicatory instrument that prohibits or restricts a property owner from installing a solar energy device on the owner's property. The HOA may adopt reasonable rules regarding the placement of solar panels that do not effectively prohibit the installation, increase the cost by more than 10 percent, or decrease the expected performance by more than 10 percent.
Rules that require panels to be placed on a specific roof face that receives significantly less sunlight would violate the statute. The HOA may require that panels be installed by a licensed contractor and that the installation does not void the roof warranty. Ground-mounted systems may be subject to additional HOA architectural review if they are visible from common areas, but the HOA still cannot effectively prohibit them. 010. Homeowners who believe their HOA is improperly restricting solar installation may file a complaint with the Texas Attorney General's office or pursue civil remedies.
Violations & Fines
HOA provisions that effectively prohibit solar devices are void and unenforceable under Texas law. Homeowners may pursue legal action against an HOA that imposes unreasonable restrictions, and the prevailing party may recover attorney fees under the Texas Property Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my Denton HOA tell me where to put solar panels on my roof?
What can I do if my Denton HOA blocks my solar installation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denton
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Denton to another location·View the Texas solar energy overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.