Solar Energy in Colorado (2026)
20 rules on the books across Colorado, 16 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Panel Permits
Permits required for installing rooftop or ground-mounted solar panels, including electrical inspections and interconnection approvals.
Colorado: statewide
StatewideFew RestrictionsColorado caps solar permit fees and prohibits restrictions on solar access easements. The law preempts local efforts to…
Read full rule →Weld County
Significant RestrictionsA rooftop panel needs no permit beyond ordinary building sign-off, but a ground-mounted solar farm under five acres, a…
Read full rule →Arvada
Some RestrictionsArvada lets homeowners install solar panels on any roof or building facade in every zoning district without a separate…
Read full rule →Aurora
Some RestrictionsAurora requires a building permit issued to a licensed residential or commercial building contractor for solar panel…
Read full rule →Boulder
Some RestrictionsInstalling solar panels in Boulder requires an electrical permit for the photovoltaic or solar thermal system under…
Read full rule →Centennial
Some RestrictionsCentennial's Land Development Code allows roof-mounted solar panels on any building in every zoning district, but…
Read full rule →Colorado Springs
Some RestrictionsInstalling or modifying a solar photovoltaic system in Colorado Springs requires a construction permit under the city's…
Read full rule →Fort Collins
Some RestrictionsMost solar installations in Fort Collins go through routine zoning compliance, but Section 3.8.32(F) of the…
Read full rule →Lakewood
Some RestrictionsA ground-mounted solar array in Lakewood needs the minor site plan process under Article 2, plus 5-foot property-line…
Read full rule →Littleton
Some RestrictionsInstalling solar photovoltaic panels in the City of Littleton requires a building permit and a licensed D20 Solar PV…
Read full rule →Loveland
Some RestrictionsLoveland, Colorado allows roof-mounted solar panels on any principal or accessory building in every zoning district…
Read full rule →Manitou Springs
Some RestrictionsManitou Springs' Fire Code requires a construction permit before installing or modifying a solar photovoltaic power…
Read full rule →Mesa County
Some RestrictionsMesa County's Land Development Code regulates private energy facilities, community solar gardens and energy…
Read full rule →Thornton
Some RestrictionsNew construction in Thornton must comply with the Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code, adopted in full…
Read full rule →Westminster
Some RestrictionsWestminster treats solar panels as an accessory use under Section 11-4-6(Q.5). Ground-mounted residential systems are…
Read full rule →Denver
Few RestrictionsDenver's zoning code exempts building-mounted solar panels from the zoning permit requirement, letting homeowners…
Read full rule →HOA Restrictions
State and local laws that limit what HOAs can restrict when it comes to solar panel installation, placement, and appearance.
Colorado: statewide
StatewideSignificant RestrictionsThis is a statewide protection against private restrictions, not a local mandate: Colorado voids any deed, contract, or…
Read full rule →Colorado Springs
Some RestrictionsColorado state law C.R.S. 38-30-168 (the Colorado Solar Rights Act) prohibits homeowner associations and restrictive…
Read full rule →Arapahoe County
Few RestrictionsColorado CRS 38-30-168 and HB 23-1233 protect homeowners' rights to install solar panels. HOAs in Arapahoe County…
Read full rule →Aurora
Few RestrictionsColorado CRS 38-30-168 preempts HOAs from prohibiting solar panels; HOAs may impose reasonable aesthetic guidelines but…
Read full rule →