Matthews, NC Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Statute
- NCGS 22B-20 Solar Access
- Protected
- Detached single-family
- Allowed restrictions
- Reasonable aesthetic only
- Visibility
- Only if solar gain reasonable
- Remedy
- Declaratory judgment + fees
Summary
NCGS 22B-20 prohibits HOAs from banning solar collectors on detached single-family homes. HOAs may impose reasonable aesthetic standards regarding location but cannot effectively prevent solar installation.
§ 22B-20. Deed restrictions and other agreements prohibiting solar collectors.
(a) The intent of the General Assembly is to protect the public health, safety, and welfare by encouraging the development and use of solar resources and by prohibiting deed restrictions, covenants, and other similar agreements that could have the ultimate effect of driving the costs of owning and maintaining a residence beyond the financial means of most owners.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, any deed restriction, covenant, or similar binding agreement that runs with the land that would prohibit, or have the effect of prohibiting, the installation of a solar collector that gathers solar radiation as a substitute for traditional energy for water heating, active space heating and cooling, passive heating, or generating electricity for a residential property on land subject to the deed restriction, covenant, or agreement is void and unenforceable. As used in this section, the term "residential property" means property where the predominant use is for residential purposes.
Full Breakdown
North Carolina General Statute 22B-20, the Solar Access Law, prohibits deed restrictions, covenants, and similar binding agreements from prohibiting the installation of a solar collector on a detached single-family residence used primarily for residential purposes. HOAs in Matthews subdivisions including Matthews Plantation, Callonwood, Sardis Plantation, and Brightwalk cannot outright ban solar panels. HOAs may require: installation on roof slopes not visible from the front elevation (if technically feasible for solar production), specified conduit and racking colors, and architectural review approval. If roof-mounted panels cannot achieve reasonable solar gain when limited to non-visible slopes, the HOA restriction is unenforceable under NCGS 22B-20(c).
Violations & Fines
HOA violations of NCGS 22B-20 void the restrictive covenant and may expose the HOA to damages and attorney fees in a homeowner suit. Homeowners can enforce through declaratory judgment in superior court.
Sources & Official References
- [1]NCGS 22B-20
Other rules in Matthews
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HOA Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle hoa restrictions.