Troutdale, OR Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)

Oregon's Solar Access laws are among the strongest in the country. ORS 105.880 to 105.895 establish solar easements and the right to install solar collectors. ORS 94.762 (governing planned communities/HOAs) and ORS 100.405 (condominiums) explicitly provide that any restrictive covenant, deed restriction, or bylaw that prohibits or unreasonably restricts the installation or use of a solar energy system is void and unenforceable as contrary to public policy. HOAs may require reasonable placement conditions (roof orientation, color-matched racks) but cannot impose restrictions that decrease system output by more than 10% or increase cost by more than 5%. The architectural review committee must act within 60 days of a complete application or the request is deemed approved. Ground-mount systems may face more HOA scrutiny than roof-mount. Portland's Residential Infill Project (2021) and HB 2001 middle-housing conversions do not change solar easement law. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) like Tesla Powerwall or Enphase are treated similarly. Homeowners whose HOA illegally blocks solar may sue for declaratory judgment and attorney fees under ORS 20.107 (prevailing party fees). Multnomah County does not layer additional solar HOA rules.