Sumner County, TN Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- No solar-rights mandate
- HOA Ban
- Generally enforceable
- Solar Easement
- Allowed (§ 66-9-201)
- Best Step
- Get written HOA approval
Summary
Tennessee has no strong solar-rights law voiding HOA bans. In Sumner County's lake subdivisions, an HOA may restrict or prohibit rooftop solar; the state only lets owners record solar easements.
The general assembly finds that the use of solar energy can help reduce reliance on depletable energy resources such as oil, natural gas and coal, and that solar energy development should, therefore, be encouraged.
Full Breakdown
Unlike states with solar-access statutes, Tennessee does not void HOA covenants that limit or ban rooftop solar. The Solar Access Law of 1979 (Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-9-201 et seq.) lets a solar owner negotiate and record a solar easement to protect sunlight from future shading, but it does not override a homeowners' association's restrictions. In Sumner County subdivisions around Old Hickory Lake, CC&Rs may require architectural approval, dictate placement, or prohibit panels outright, and those rules are generally enforceable. Homeowners outside an HOA face no private restriction, only county or city permits.
Violations & Fines
An HOA can enforce its recorded covenants, including fines or removal, against non-compliant solar installs. A homeowner's main protection is a negotiated solar easement, not state law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my Sumner County HOA ban rooftop solar?
Does Tennessee protect my solar access?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sumner County
Compare Sumner County to another location·View the Tennessee solar energy overview
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