Raleigh, NC Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- NC G.S. §22B-20. Solar collector protections
- HOA Bans
- Cannot completely prohibit solar panels
- Reasonable Rules
- HOAs may set aesthetic/placement guidelines
- Cost Impact
- Restrictions cannot unreasonably increase installation cost
Summary
North Carolina General Statute §22B-20 protects homeowners' rights to install solar collectors and prohibits HOA covenants that entirely ban solar energy systems. HOAs may impose reasonable restrictions regarding placement, screening, or aesthetics, but cannot effectively prohibit or unreasonably increase the cost of solar installations. Raleigh homeowners in HOA communities can install solar panels subject to reasonable design guidelines.
Article 3. Deed Restrictions, Covenants, and Other Agreements Prohibiting Solar Collectors.
§ 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. The term "residential property" does not include any condominium created under Chapter 47A or 47C of the General Statutes located in a multi-story building containing units having horizontal boundaries described in the declaration.
(c) This section does not prohibit a deed restriction, covenant, or similar binding agreement that runs with the land that would regulate the location or screening of solar collectors as described in subsection (b) of this section, provided the deed restriction, covenant, or similar binding agreement does not have the effect of preventing the reasonable use of a solar collector for a residential property. [...]
(d) This section does not prohibit a deed restriction, covenant, or similar binding agreement that runs with the land that would prohibit the location of solar collectors as described in subsection (b) of this section that are visible by a person on the ground:
(1) On the facade of a structure that faces areas open to common or public access;
(2) On a roof surface that slopes downward toward the same areas open to common or public access that the façade of the structure faces;
Full Breakdown
Most states have enacted solar access or solar rights laws that limit HOA restrictions on solar panel installations. These laws typically prevent HOAs from banning rooftop solar systems outright or imposing conditions that significantly increase cost or decrease efficiency. HOAs may have reasonable aesthetic guidelines such as preferred placement, color matching, and screening from street view, but cannot effectively prohibit installation. Architectural review committees must use objective criteria. Ground-mounted systems may face more HOA restrictions than roof-mounted panels. Battery storage systems may have separate HOA guidelines. CC&R provisions that contradict state solar access laws are generally unenforceable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my Raleigh HOA ban solar panels?
What if my HOA denies my solar panel application?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Raleigh
Compare Raleigh to another location·View the North Carolina solar energy overview
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