Reedley, CA Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)

California Civil Code Section 714 and Section 714.1, collectively known as the Solar Rights Act, apply to all homeowners associations in Reedley and throughout California, providing robust protections for homeowners seeking to install solar energy systems. The law was originally enacted in 1978 and has been strengthened through multiple amendments to ensure that HOAs cannot effectively block solar installations through unreasonable aesthetic requirements, placement restrictions, or outright prohibitions. Under Section 714, no homeowners association may adopt or enforce any covenant, condition, restriction, or rule that effectively prohibits or unreasonably restricts the installation or use of a solar energy system on a homeowner's property. The statute defines what constitutes an unreasonable restriction using two objective financial tests. An HOA restriction is considered unreasonable if it would increase the total cost of the solar energy system by more than $1,000 above the cost of the system without the restriction. Alternatively, a restriction is unreasonable if it would reduce the system's expected electricity output by more than 10 percent as measured in kilowatt hours compared to the output without the restriction. These thresholds mean that HOAs can impose minor aesthetic requirements such as specifying that panels match the roof color or that exposed conduit be painted to blend with the building exterior, but cannot require expensive relocations, premium equipment, or placement changes that significantly reduce energy production. Section 714 also establishes a strict timeline for HOA review of solar applications. The HOA must approve or deny a complete solar energy system application within 45 calendar days of the date the application is received. If the HOA fails to act within that 45-day period, the application is deemed approved automatically by operation of law, and the homeowner may proceed with the installation. Any CC&R provision, architectural guideline, or HOA rule that purports to ban solar panels entirely is void and unenforceable under state law. Homeowners who face unreasonable HOA restrictions on solar installations may bring civil action under Section 714(g) and recover actual damages and reasonable attorney fees from the HOA. This attorney fee provision creates a strong incentive for HOAs to comply with the Solar Rights Act rather than risk litigation. Reedley does not have additional local regulations regarding HOA solar restrictions beyond the state law protections, and the city cannot enforce private CC&R provisions. Solar access disputes between homeowners and HOAs are civil matters resolved through negotiation, mediation, or court action.