Rhode Island Has No HOA Solar-Access Protection

Rhode Island's only solar-property statute is the Solar Easements Act, R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 34-40. Section 34-40-1 lets any property owner grant a written solar easement to a neighbor, recorded like any real-property interest, to protect access to sunlight. It is entirely voluntary and does not restrict association authority. Unlike California or Florida, Rhode Island has enacted no solar-access law voiding HOA or condominium covenants that prohibit solar collectors. An association may therefore limit or ban rooftop solar through its recorded declaration and rules, subject only to the reasonableness built into its rulemaking power.

There is no statewide solar-access remedy. An association may restrict or prohibit solar panels through its recorded covenants, enforced by fines after notice and a hearing under R.I. Gen. Laws Section 34-36.1-3.20.