Champaign County, IL Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- 765 ILCS 165
- Effect
- HOA solar bans void
- Allowed
- Reasonable placement conditions
- Required
- Written energy policy statement
- Ground mounts
- May get closer review
Summary
Illinois law protects solar in HOA neighborhoods. The Homeowners' Energy Policy Statement Act bars a Champaign County association from adopting any rule that prohibits, or effectively prohibits, installing a solar energy system.
the adoption of a bylaw or exercise of any power by the governing entity of a homeowners' association, common interest community association, or condominium unit owners' association which prohibits or has the effect of prohibiting the installation of a solar energy system is expressly prohibited.
Full Breakdown
A homeowners association in Champaign, Urbana, Savoy, Mahomet, or a county subdivision cannot ban rooftop solar. The Illinois Homeowners' Energy Policy Statement Act (765 ILCS 165) makes any bylaw, covenant, or deed restriction that prohibits or effectively prohibits a solar energy system unenforceable. An association may still set reasonable placement and appearance conditions, and each association must adopt a written energy policy statement, but it cannot use aesthetic rules to defeat a system or impose conditions that cut its output beyond the statute's limits. Ground-mounted arrays may face somewhat closer review than roof panels.
Violations & Fines
An association that bans a compliant solar system, or buries it in conditions that effectively prohibit it, is enforcing a restriction Illinois law voids, exposing the HOA to a court challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my Champaign County HOA stop me from installing solar?
Does the HOA have to give me its solar rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Champaign County
Compare Champaign County to another location·View the Illinois solar energy overview
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