Folsom, CA Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- Civil Code §714/714.1
- Ban
- Preempted statewide
- Efficiency cap
- ≤10% reduction allowed
- Cost cap
- ≤$1,000 added cost
- Deadline
- 45 days to act
Summary
California Civil Code §714 (Solar Rights Act) prohibits Folsom HOAs from banning solar panels. HOA restrictions that reduce system efficiency more than 10% or increase cost more than $1,000 are void. HOAs must approve or reasonably condition applications within 45 days.
714. (a) Any 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, and any provision of a governing document, as defined in Section 4150 or 6552, that effectively prohibits or restricts the installation or use of a solar energy system is void and unenforceable.
(b) This section does not apply to provisions that impose reasonable restrictions on solar energy systems. However, it is the policy of the state to promote and encourage the use of solar energy systems and to remove obstacles thereto. Accordingly, reasonable restrictions on a solar energy system are those restrictions that do not significantly increase the cost of the system or significantly decrease its efficiency or specified performance, or that allow for an alternative system of comparable cost, efficiency, and energy conservation benefits.
Full Breakdown
California Civil Code §714 (the Solar Rights Act) and §714.1 preempt HOA restrictions on residential solar energy systems. A Folsom HOA cannot prohibit solar panels outright. Aesthetic or placement conditions are allowed only if they do not significantly decrease system efficiency (more than 10% loss) or significantly increase cost (more than $1,000 for solar domestic hot water, or $1,000 for a solar PV system). HOAs must approve or conditionally approve a solar application within 45 days or it is deemed approved. Folsom has many master-planned communities (Empire Ranch, Broadstone, Prairie Oaks, Folsom Ranch) with active HOAs: owners retain full solar rights under state law. HOAs may impose reasonable aesthetic standards such as panel alignment with roof lines, conduit color, or inverter screening, provided the cost and efficiency limits are not exceeded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my Folsom HOA reject my solar panels?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Folsom
California rules heatmap·Compare Folsom to another location·View the California solar energy overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
HOA Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sacramento County handle hoa restrictions.