Laredo, TX Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- TX Property Code 202.010
- HOA Ban
- Prohibited statewide
- Performance Rule
- 10 percent output/cost limit
- Attorney Fees
- Recoverable by homeowner
- Effective
- Since 2011
Summary
Texas Property Code 202.010 prevents HOAs from prohibiting solar panels on Laredo homes. HOAs can set reasonable aesthetic rules (location, orientation) but cannot materially reduce system output over 10 percent or increase cost over 10 percent.
Sec. 202.010. REGULATION OF SOLAR ENERGY DEVICES. ... (2) "Solar energy device" has the meaning assigned by Section 171.107, Tax Code. The term includes a solar roof tile. (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. Sec. 202.011. REGULATION OF CERTAIN ROOFING MATERIALS. A property owners' association may not include or enforce a provision that prohibits or restricts a property owner from installing shingles that: (1) are designed primarily to: (A) be wind and hail resistant; (B) provide heating and cooling efficiencies greater than composite shingles; or (C) provide solar generation capabilities.
Full Breakdown
Texas Property Code Section 202.010 (enacted 2011) is a strong state-level preemption protecting homeowners. HOAs cannot prohibit solar energy devices on properties they govern in Laredo or anywhere in Texas. The statute allows HOAs to impose reasonable restrictions on location and orientation only if those restrictions do not reduce production by more than 10 percent or increase installation cost by more than 10 percent. HOAs may require panels be installed below the roofline when visible from the street, but only if technically feasible and within the 10 percent performance threshold. HOAs cannot require specific brands, colors (other than dark or neutral frames), or prohibit ground-mounts unless deed restrictions explicitly pre-date 2011 AND pass the performance test. Violations can trigger HOA enforcement reversal and attorney fee recovery for the homeowner under Section 202.010(e).
Violations & Fines
HOA illegal denial: homeowner may sue in Webb County Court. Court can order installation plus award attorney fees to prevailing homeowner.
Frequently Asked Questions
My Laredo HOA denied my solar application. Can they do that?
Does TX 202.010 apply to condos?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Laredo
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Laredo 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.