Washington Statewide Rule

Washington HOA Solar Panel Protections and Reasonable Rules

Few RestrictionsApplies statewide across Washington (2026)

Washington RCW 64.38.055 voids homeowner association covenants prohibiting solar panel installation on owner property statewide, while permitting only reasonable placement rules that do not significantly impair efficiency or increase cost.

Key Facts

Statute: RCW 64.38.055
Cost Increase Limit: 5 percent maximum
Efficiency Loss Limit: 10 percent maximum
Attorney Fees: Awarded to prevailing owner

Source: RCW 64.38.055 - HOA solar panel installation protections

Full Breakdown

RCW 64.38.055 makes void and unenforceable any HOA covenant, restriction, or rule that prohibits solar panel installation on residential property. Associations may adopt reasonable rules regulating placement and dimensions, but rules that increase costs by more than five percent or decrease energy production by more than ten percent are presumed unreasonable. RCW 64.90.510 extends identical protections to condominium associations created under the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act. Aggrieved owners may seek injunctive relief and recover attorney fees.

Violations & Penalties

HOA enforcement of prohibited solar restrictions exposes the association to injunctive orders, voiding of restrictive covenants, and mandatory attorney fee awards to prevailing homeowners under RCW 64.38.055(3).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Washington HOA require panels on the back roof only?

An HOA can request placement preferences, but RCW 64.38.055 deems rules unreasonable if they reduce energy production by more than ten percent or increase installation costs more than five percent.

What if my HOA ignores Washington solar protection law?

You may sue under RCW 64.38.055(3) for injunctive relief voiding the restriction. Prevailing homeowners are entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees and litigation costs from the association.

Sources

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Full Breakdown

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Washington HOA require panels on the back roof only?

An HOA can request placement preferences, but RCW 64.38.055 deems rules unreasonable if they reduce energy production by more than ten percent or increase installation costs more than five percent.

What if my HOA ignores Washington solar protection law?

You may sue under RCW 64.38.055(3) for injunctive relief voiding the restriction. Prevailing homeowners are entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees and litigation costs from the association.