Minnesota Solar Rights Override HOA Covenants

Section 500.216 provides that a private entity must not prohibit or refuse to permit the owner of a single-family dwelling to install, maintain, or use a roof-mounted solar energy system. It applies to a single-family detached dwelling whose owner is solely responsible for the entire building. Associations may impose reasonable conditions, but not ones that raise system cost by more than $1,000 or reduce production by more than 10 percent. An application not denied in writing within 60 days is deemed approved. Section 500.215 separately voids anti-flag covenants; section 500.30 governs solar easements.

An HOA rule prohibiting a qualifying roof-mounted solar system is unenforceable under section 500.216. Homeowners may install the system; conditions exceeding the statute's cost and production limits do not bind them.