Little Elm, TX Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)

Texas Property Code Section 202.010 establishes strong solar access rights for Texas homeowners, including those in Little Elm HOA communities. 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 as defined by Texas Tax Code Section 171.107. HOAs may adopt reasonable rules governing solar device placement but those rules cannot prohibit the device entirely, increase the cost of installation by more than 10 percent above the cost of the originally proposed installation, or decrease the expected energy production by more than 10 percent below the production of the originally proposed installation. HOAs may require that roof-mounted panels not extend above the roofline, conform to the roof slope, be parallel to the roofline, and use framing and mounting hardware in black, bronze, or silver tones. Ground-mounted solar panels must not extend above the fence line and may be restricted to rear yards. HOAs may require prior architectural review committee approval before installation begins but cannot unreasonably delay the approval process. Property owners who believe their HOA is violating Property Code 202.010 may seek enforcement through the county or district court. The HOA cannot fine an owner for installing a compliant solar device.