Indiana's 2022 solar law, IC 32-25.5-3.5, limits how a St. Joseph County homeowners association can restrict solar. An HOA may prohibit or require removal of a solar energy system only for the specific reasons the statute lists.
Before 2022, Indiana HOAs could ban panels outright, and many covenants still read that way. House Enrolled Act 1196 changed this: a homeowners association may prohibit a solar energy system, or force its removal, only if an enumerated ground applies, such as a court finding it threatens public health or safety, installation on association-owned or common property, or a roof array rising more than six inches above the roof, not conforming to the roof slope, or lacking silver, bronze, or black framing. The protection is real but conditional, and it reaches individually owned roofs, not shared condominium roofs the association maintains. Boards retain broad review authority over placement and appearance.
An association that prohibits or orders removal of a compliant system outside the statute's listed grounds is enforcing a restriction Indiana law does not permit, exposing the HOA to a court challenge and liability.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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