Minnesota Solar Rights Override HOA Covenants

Section 500.215, expanded by 2023 legislation, declares unenforceable any covenant, restriction, condition, or bylaw that prohibits or effectively prohibits solar energy systems on residential property of four units or fewer. HOAs may adopt reasonable rules regarding panel placement and color, but restrictions that significantly increase cost or decrease performance are void. The law applies regardless of when covenants were recorded, overriding older deed restrictions. Aesthetic objections alone cannot defeat installation. Homeowners may seek declaratory and injunctive relief plus attorney fees against associations that violate the statute.

HOAs enforcing prohibited covenants face injunctions and attorney-fee awards. Homeowners may install systems and recover damages for delay caused by improper restrictions.