Benton County, WA Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- RCW 64.38.055
- Ban
- HOA cannot prohibit panels
- Placement
- Conform to roof slope
- Appearance
- Paint to match roofing
- Efficiency Limit
- No 10%+ output loss
Summary
Homeowners in Benton County HOAs are protected by Washington's solar rights law. Under RCW 64.38.055, HOA governing documents may not prohibit rooftop solar panels, though the association may set reasonable placement and appearance conditions.
The governing documents may not prohibit the installation of a solar energy panel by an owner or resident on the owner's or resident's property
Full Breakdown
The Tri-Cities area and newer Benton County subdivisions include covenant communities, and where they apply RCW 64.38.055 controls. An association's governing documents may not prohibit installing a solar energy panel that meets applicable health and safety standards. The HOA may require panels on a sloped roof to conform to the slope with the top edge parallel to the roof ridge, and may require frames, brackets, and visible piping or wiring painted to coordinate with the roofing material. It may require reasonable shielding of ground-mounted panels only if that does not raise cost significantly or degrade performance by more than ten percent. Any conflicting covenant is void.
Violations & Fines
An HOA that bans a compliant solar installation, or imposes conditions that meaningfully raise cost or reduce output, is enforcing a void provision under RCW 64.38.055 and risks liability for the homeowner's costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my Benton County HOA ban solar panels?
What can the HOA still require?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Benton County
Compare Benton County to another location·View the Washington solar energy overview
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