North Richland Hills, TX Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing Law
- TX Property Code 202.010
- Cost Threshold
- 10 percent increase allowed
- Output Threshold
- 10 percent reduction allowed
- Slope Match
- HOA can require
- Enforcement
- Civil court, not city
Summary
Texas Property Code 202.010 limits HOA authority to restrict solar panels on homes in North Richland Hills. HOAs cannot prohibit solar devices but may regulate appearance when alternatives do not materially reduce production or increase cost.
Sec. 202.010. REGULATION OF SOLAR ENERGY DEVICES. (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. (c) A provision that violates Subsection (b) is void. (d) A property owners' association may include or enforce a provision in a dedicatory instrument that prohibits a solar energy device that: (1) as adjudicated by a court: (A) threatens the public health or safety; or (B) violates a law; (2) is located on property owned or maintained by the property owners' association; (3) is located on property owned in common by the members of the property owners' association
Full Breakdown
010, enacted in 2011, strongly protects homeowners' rights to install solar energy devices despite private HOA restrictions. HOAs cannot include or enforce provisions that prohibit or restrict installation of a solar energy device on property owned by the member. HOAs may regulate placement only if the regulation does not increase system cost by more than 10 percent of the total installation or reduce output by more than 10 percent of the intended production. HOAs may require panels to conform to the roof slope, require conduit to be painted to match the roof or wall, prohibit installation on common areas or on parts of the roof not specifically owned by the homeowner, and require the homeowner to submit plans for review.
Ground-mount systems in the front yard may be limited. The homeowner has the burden of providing detailed specifications and documentation of any reduction in efficiency or increase in cost when challenging an HOA denial. Many NRH HOAs (Hometown, Birdville, Woodland Oaks, Forest Glenn) have updated CCRs to reflect this statute. Disputes are generally resolved through the HOA's internal process and Texas courts rather than the city.
Violations & Fines
HOA violations of Texas Property Code 202.010 can be challenged in Texas district court. Successful homeowners may recover attorney fees and costs. The city of NRH does not enforce HOA disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my NRH HOA block rooftop solar?
Does the city of NRH enforce solar HOA disputes?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in North Richland Hills
Texas rules heatmap·Compare North Richland Hills to another location·View the Texas solar energy overview
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HOA Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tarrant County handle hoa restrictions.