Selma, CA Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing Law
- CA Civil Code Section 714
- HOA Review Period
- 45 days maximum
- Max Cost Increase
- $1,000 from HOA conditions
- Max Efficiency Loss
- 10 percent from HOA conditions
Summary
California Solar Rights Act bars Selma HOAs from banning solar panels. HOA conditions cannot add over $1,000 in cost or cut efficiency by more than 10 percent.
714. (a) Any covenant, restriction, or condition contained in any deed, contract, security instrument, or other instrument affecting the transfer or sale of, or any interest in, real property, and any provision of a governing document, as defined in Section 4150 or 6552, that effectively prohibits or restricts the installation or use of a solar energy system is void and unenforceable.
(b) This section does not apply to provisions that impose reasonable restrictions on solar energy systems. However, it is the policy of the state to promote and encourage the use of solar energy systems and to remove obstacles thereto. Accordingly, reasonable restrictions on a solar energy system are those restrictions that do not significantly increase the cost of the system or significantly decrease its efficiency or specified performance, or that allow for an alternative system of comparable cost, efficiency, and energy conservation benefits.
(d) For the purposes of this section:
(1) (A) For solar domestic water heating systems or solar swimming pool heating systems that comply with state and federal law, "significantly" means an amount exceeding 10 percent of the cost of the system, but in no case more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or decreasing the efficiency of the solar energy system by an amount exceeding 10 percent, as originally specified and proposed.
(B) For photovoltaic systems that comply with state and federal law, "significantly" means an amount not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) over the system cost as originally specified and proposed, or a decrease in system efficiency of an amount exceeding 10 percent as originally specified and proposed.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Under California's Solar Rights Act (Civil Code Section 714), homeowner associations in Selma cannot prohibit or unreasonably restrict the installation of solar energy systems on single-family residences. HOAs may require architectural review but must process applications within 45 days of receiving a complete application. Failure to act within that period constitutes automatic approval. Any conditions imposed by the HOA cannot increase total system cost by more than $1,000 or decrease system efficiency by more than 10 percent. CC&Rs that conflict with these state protections are void and unenforceable.
AB 2188 further streamlined the local permitting process by requiring cities to provide an expedited online solar permit application. Since Selma has adopted SolarAPP+ for automated solar permitting, the city-level permit process is already streamlined beyond the minimum state requirements. The Solar Rights Act applies to all types of solar energy systems, including rooftop photovoltaic panels, solar thermal systems, and solar water heating systems. Ground-mounted systems on common areas of HOA communities may be subject to different rules than rooftop systems on individual units. HOAs may establish guidelines for panel placement that do not materially affect system performance, such as specifying mounting hardware color.
The California Solar Initiative provides rebates and incentives that HOAs cannot interfere with. Selma residents in HOA communities should submit architectural review applications before installation and retain documentation of any HOA-imposed conditions for their records.
Violations & Fines
HOA provisions that effectively prohibit solar installations are void under state law. Homeowners whose solar applications are wrongfully denied may seek injunctive relief in court. The prevailing party in litigation over solar restrictions may recover attorney fees under Civil Code Section 714(e). HOAs that impose unreasonable restrictions risk liability for the homeowner's actual damages plus attorney fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my Selma HOA deny my solar panel installation?
How long does my HOA have to review a solar application?
What can I do if my HOA unreasonably restricts my solar panels?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Selma
California rules heatmap·Compare Selma to another location·View the California solar energy overview
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HOA Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fresno County handle hoa restrictions.