DC's Solar Rights Act (DC Code section 6-1451.04) prohibits condo associations and HOAs from banning solar collectors on limited common elements appurtenant to a unit and requires approval of reasonable installations. Associations may impose reasonable aesthetic conditions but cannot significantly reduce system efficiency or increase cost. Historic district HPRB rules still apply.
DC joined 25-plus states in 2014 by enacting a solar access law protecting homeowners' rights to install rooftop solar. DC Code section 6-1451.04 forbids condominium and homeowner associations from prohibiting the installation or use of a solar collector on a unit's limited common element (such as the unit owner's portion of the roof) or on land owned by the unit owner. Associations may require approval through architectural review but must apply objective, reasonable standards and cannot impose restrictions that significantly decrease efficiency (greater than 10 percent) or increase installation cost (greater than 10 percent or $1,000, whichever is greater). Reasonable aesthetic restrictions like color-matched flashing, cable routing, and low-profile inverters are allowed. Condos with shared roofs must work through the association board under its bylaws. Historic district rules via HPRB are not preempted by the Solar Rights Act, so Georgetown, Capitol Hill, and other historic properties still need HPRB sign-off. Violations are enforced through civil action in DC Superior Court, and prevailing homeowners can recover attorney fees.
HOA/condo illegal solar ban: civil action under DC Code 6-1451.04, injunction ordering approval, and attorney fees. Damages for delay may be awarded. Repeat violations may expose board members to personal liability under breach of fiduciary duty theories.
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