Massachusetts Limits on HOA Solar Restrictions

Massachusetts has a solar-access statute: M.G.L. c. 184 § 23C makes void any instrument provision that purports to forbid or unreasonably restrict the installation or use of a solar energy system. This reaches HOA declarations and condominium documents. Associations may still impose reasonable, non-prohibitory conditions on placement or appearance. Condominium common-area roofs remain governed by the master deed and M.G.L. c. 183A, so shared-roof installations typically need trust approval, but an outright anti-solar ban is unenforceable.

A covenant that forbids or unreasonably restricts a solar energy system is void under M.G.L. c. 184 § 23C and cannot be enforced; owners may challenge it, while reasonable, non-prohibitory conditions remain permissible.