Haltom City, TX Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)

Texas law strongly protects homeowner rights to install solar energy devices, and these protections apply to HOAs in Haltom City subdivisions. Texas Property Code Section 202.010, enacted in 2011, prohibits an HOA from including or enforcing restrictive covenants that prohibit or restrict a property owner from installing a solar energy device. An HOA may not enforce a rule that prevents installation, voids a warranty of any manufacturer, requires removal after a limited time, or conditions installation on HOA approval if the approval would be unreasonable. Allowed HOA regulations include requiring prior approval using a standard application process, requiring that panels not extend higher than or beyond the roofline if roof-mounted, regulating finishing materials to match the roof, prohibiting panels that are installed improperly or in violation of building codes, requiring ground-mounted systems to be behind a fence in the backyard, and prohibiting commercial solar farms on residential lots. However, an HOA cannot adopt or enforce a rule that increases the installation cost by more than 10 percent or decreases the estimated annual energy production by more than 10 percent compared to the homeowner's proposed installation. An HOA violating these rules can be sued in Tarrant County district court with the prevailing homeowner entitled to attorney fees. Solar screen installations and solar water heaters receive similar protections. Texas Property Code Section 202.011 similarly protects roofing shingle types (impact-resistant, solar shingles). When the HOA denies or conditions a solar installation, the homeowner should request the denial in writing citing the specific covenant and then consult an attorney about Chapter 202 compliance. Most HOA architectural committees in Haltom City subdivisions now have solar-compliant approval forms.