Updated: October 8, 2026 · Estimated read time: 10 minutes
Your HOA says solar panels aren't allowed.
Is that the end of the conversation?
In Illinois, usually not.
Illinois law gives many homeowners significant rights when installing rooftop solar.
A homeowners association, common-interest community association, or condominium unit owners association generally cannot simply adopt a rule that prohibits—or effectively prohibits—a qualifying solar energy system on a covered property.
But that doesn't mean:
“Your HOA has absolutely no say.”
An association may still have reasonable architectural and application requirements.
The important question is where:
reasonable design rules
end and:
an unlawful solar restriction
begins.
Illinois law provides some surprisingly specific answers.
Quick Answer
For properties covered by Illinois's Homeowners' Energy Policy Statement Act:
An HOA generally cannot:
-
Completely prohibit rooftop solar
-
Prevent panels from being installed on a particular roof face
-
Force you to use solar shingles instead of traditional panels
-
Require approval from your neighbors
-
Reject solar because you financed, leased, purchased, or otherwise structured ownership a certain way
-
Ask about your household energy usage
-
Impose conditions that interfere with normal solar-system operation
-
Impose requirements that negatively affect standard equipment warranties
An HOA can establish reasonable design and architectural requirements.
But if it requires a different panel configuration, that requirement generally cannot reduce the system's estimated annual electricity production by more than:
10%
The association also has deadlines for adopting its written energy policy and processing solar applications.
There are important exceptions—particularly for certain buildings over 60 feet tall and buildings with shared roofs—so homeowners in condos, townhomes, or other shared-roof properties should verify how the law applies to their particular building.
Table of Contents
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What Illinois law protects solar homeowners?
-
Can an HOA completely ban solar?
-
What is the 10% production rule?
-
Can the HOA tell you which roof face to use?
-
Can an HOA require solar shingles?
-
Can neighbors veto your solar system?
-
Can an HOA reject financed or leased solar?
-
Does your HOA need a written solar policy?
-
How long can HOA approval take?
-
Can an HOA charge an application fee?
-
What rules can an HOA still impose?
-
What about condos and shared roofs?
-
Do permits and utility approvals still apply?
-
What should you submit to the HOA?
-
What if the HOA denies the application?
-
What if the HOA simply doesn't respond?
-
Questions to ask before signing solar
-
Frequently asked questions
What Illinois Law Protects Solar Homeowners?
Illinois has a state law called the:
Homeowners' Energy Policy Statement Act
You'll sometimes hear it described more casually as Illinois's:
Solar Rights Act
or:
solar access law.
The law limits how homeowners associations, common-interest community associations, and condominium unit owners associations can restrict solar installations on properties covered by the Act.
The central idea is simple:
An association cannot use covenants, bylaws, deed restrictions, or similar rules to prohibit—or effectively prohibit—a qualifying solar energy system.
That means a decades-old HOA rule saying:
“No solar panels are permitted.”
doesn't automatically control simply because it appears in the association documents.
Illinois law can supersede conflicting association rules.
Can an HOA Completely Ban Solar Panels?
For covered properties:
Generally, no.
Illinois law says an association cannot adopt or exercise authority in a way that prohibits or has the effect of prohibiting installation of a solar energy system.
That is stronger than simply saying:
“The HOA can't write the words ‘solar is prohibited.’”
A rule could potentially become a problem even if it doesn't literally say:
“No solar.”
For example, imagine an HOA says:
Solar panels are permitted—but every panel must go behind the house where almost no sunlight reaches them.
That may effectively prevent the system from working as designed.
Illinois addresses this through its solar-production limitation.
What Is the 10% Solar Production Rule?
This is one of the most important parts of the law.
An association may determine the specific configuration of a solar system on a roof face.
But:
That requirement cannot reduce estimated annual solar production by more than 10%.
For example:
Suppose your installer's proposed system is expected to produce:
12,000 kWh per year.
Ten percent is:
1,200 kWh.
An HOA-required redesign producing:
11,700 kWh
might remain within the permitted production threshold.
A redesign producing:
9,500 kWh
would represent a much larger production loss.
That's exactly why production modeling matters when an HOA requests a design change.
The conversation shouldn't simply be:
“We don't like panels there.”
It should include:
“What does that requested change do to annual solar production?”
Can an HOA Tell You Which Roof Face to Use?
The HOA can have some influence over configuration.
But Illinois law specifically says the association may not prohibit solar-system elements from being installed on any particular roof face when the Act applies.
So a blanket rule such as:
“Solar can only be installed on the rear roof.”
may create a problem if that restriction conflicts with the statutory protections.
That doesn't mean homeowners can ignore:
-
Building codes
-
Fire setbacks
-
Electrical rules
-
Structural requirements
-
Utility interconnection requirements
Those are separate.
The law limits HOA restrictions.
It does not eliminate normal safety and permitting requirements.
Why Roof Orientation Matters
Imagine your home has:
South-facing roof
Excellent exposure.
East-facing roof
Good morning production.
West-facing roof
Good afternoon production.
North-facing roof
Significantly lower annual production in many situations.
If an HOA requires the entire array to move from a strong solar surface to a much poorer one purely for aesthetic reasons, the production loss could become substantial.
That's why Illinois law uses:
Estimated annual electrical production
as the measurement.
Our Is Your Roof Ready for Solar? Illinois Homeowner Guide explains how direction, pitch, shade, and usable roof space affect solar design.
Can an HOA Require Solar Shingles Instead?
For covered properties:
No—not simply because the association prefers them.
Illinois law specifically says a property owner cannot be required to use a particular technology, including requiring:
solar shingles
instead of:
traditional solar panels.
That's important because those products can differ significantly in:
-
Cost
-
Availability
-
Installer availability
-
Equipment specifications
-
Production
-
Warranty
-
Roof-replacement implications
An architectural preference doesn't automatically give an HOA the right to dictate solar technology.
Can Your Neighbors Veto the Project?
No.
Illinois law says an association's written energy policy cannot make approval conditional on:
Approval by adjacent property owners.
So your next-door neighbor generally doesn't receive a legal veto simply because:
“I don't like seeing solar panels.”
The HOA may still enforce lawful architectural requirements.
But:
Neighbor permission
and:
HOA approval
are not the same thing.
CHECK THE RULES BEFORE ASSUMING “NO”
If you're considering solar in an HOA community:
Get the actual written policy.
Don't rely on:
“Someone on the board told me solar isn't allowed.”
Ask for the association's:
Written energy policy statement.
Then compare the requirements with:
-
Your proposed system
-
Expected production
-
Roof layout
-
Illinois law
Still evaluating solar?
LuNova Solar provides general educational information, not legal advice. HOA documents, property ownership, building type, roof ownership, and other facts can materially affect how Illinois law applies.
Can an HOA Reject Solar Because You Financed It?
For covered properties:
No.
Illinois law says a property owner cannot be denied permission to install a solar system based on the:
Ownership or financing method
chosen by the property owner.
That can matter because residential solar may be structured through:
-
Cash purchase
-
Solar loan
-
Other financing
-
Third-party ownership
-
Lease
-
Power Purchase Agreement, where available and applicable
An HOA generally can't say:
“Owned solar is allowed, but financed solar isn't.”
simply because of how the system is financed or owned.
For help understanding the differences, read our Illinois Solar Financing Guide and Solar PPA Guide.
Does the HOA Need a Written Solar Policy?
Illinois law requires covered associations to maintain a written:
Energy Policy Statement
after receiving the triggering request or application contemplated by the Act.
Under the current statute, an HOA, common-interest community association, or condominium association generally has:
90 days
after receiving a request for a policy statement or solar application to adopt the written energy policy statement.
That policy must incorporate the minimum protections contained in the law.
The policy can also establish reasonable standards concerning:
-
Location
-
Design
-
Architectural requirements
But those requirements still have to comply with the statutory limits.
The HOA Must Give You the Policy
The association must disclose its written energy policy statement when requested.
The law also requires it to include the policy in the association's declaration.
So if you're told:
“We have solar rules.”
a reasonable response is:
“Please send me the written energy policy statement.”
Don't design around a verbal summary when the actual written policy is available.
How Long Can HOA Approval Take?
There's another deadline homeowners should know.
When HOA approval is required, Illinois's current statute generally says the solar application must be processed within:
30 days after submission.
That's different from the 90-day period associated with adopting the written energy policy statement.
If the homeowner submits the solar application before the association has adopted its written energy policy, the statute provides a longer application-processing period:
Up to 120 days from submission.
These timing rules are important.
A solar application shouldn't simply disappear into:
“We'll discuss it eventually.”
Can an HOA Charge a Special Solar Fee?
An association may have normal architectural-review fees.
But Illinois law says it may not impose a fee for a solar application that is higher than what it assesses for:
Other comparable property-change applications.
In other words:
A solar homeowner shouldn't face an inflated:
“solar review fee”
simply because the project involves photovoltaic equipment.
Can the HOA Contact Your Solar Company?
Yes.
Illinois law allows the association, at the property owner's request, to communicate with the homeowner's solar contractor.
That can actually be useful.
Suppose the HOA asks:
“Could the array move four feet farther from the front roof edge?”
The installer can determine:
-
Whether the layout remains code-compliant
-
Whether panels still fit
-
How production changes
-
Whether equipment configuration changes
Instead of the homeowner acting as messenger between two technical parties.
What Rules Can an HOA Still Have?
Illinois law does not mean:
“The HOA has no authority.”
Associations may still establish lawful standards concerning areas such as:
-
Placement
-
Design
-
Architectural appearance
-
Maintenance
-
Repair
-
Replacement
-
Removal of damaged or inoperable systems
For damaged or inoperable solar systems, the law allows reasonable maintenance, repair, replacement, and removal conditions.
But those requirements cannot be more burdensome than comparable conditions the association applies to non-solar projects.
That distinction matters.
The HOA Can't Require Rules That Hurt Equipment Warranties
Illinois law also says associations may not impose conditions that negatively affect:
Industry-standard component warranties.
That's a practical protection.
Imagine an HOA proposes a mounting or equipment modification purely for appearance.
If complying would jeopardize the manufacturer's normal warranty:
That raises an issue under the statute.
The design needs to respect:
-
Equipment specifications
-
Manufacturer requirements
-
Electrical standards
-
Structural requirements
Architecture shouldn't override basic system integrity.
Can the HOA Ask How Much Electricity You Use?
The statute says associations may not inquire into the property owner's:
Energy usage.
Your annual household electricity consumption may be important to:
-
You
-
Your solar designer
-
The utility
-
Illinois Shines
But the HOA doesn't need your entire electric-usage history simply to decide whether the installation meets lawful architectural standards.
Can the HOA Require Reports After Installation?
Illinois law says an association may not require:
Post-installation reporting
under the covered policy restrictions.
Normal maintenance obligations can still exist.
But the HOA doesn't receive an open-ended right to require solar-production reports after the project is installed.
What About Condos and Townhomes?
This is where the law becomes more complicated.
The Act does not apply to every building.
Current Illinois law says the Act does not apply to buildings:
Greater than 60 feet tall
or:
With a shared roof that is subject to an HOA, common-interest community association, or condominium unit owners association.
A shared roof generally includes a roof serving more than one unit or forming part of common property.
That means:
A detached single-family home in an HOA can be very different legally from a condominium with a common roof.
If you live in:
-
Condo
-
Attached townhome
-
Duplex-type community
-
Multi-unit property
-
Building with common roof ownership
do not assume the same rules automatically apply.
Review your governing documents and consider qualified legal advice when necessary.
HOA Approval Is Not the Only Approval
Even when your HOA approves solar:
You're not automatically ready to install.
Illinois Shines explains that residential solar projects may also require:
-
Municipal permits
-
Inspection
-
Utility interconnection approval
-
Net-metering enrollment
Depending on the property and jurisdiction, there may also be:
-
Building requirements
-
Electrical requirements
-
Fire-code setbacks
-
Structural requirements
HOA rights do not override:
Safety codes.
And HOA approval does not replace:
Utility approval.
Our What Happens After You Sign a Solar Contract in Illinois? guide walks through that entire process.
What Should You Submit to Your HOA?
Requirements vary.
But a useful HOA solar package may include:
Solar layout
Showing proposed panel locations.
Equipment information
Panels, inverter, battery where applicable.
Roof plan
Showing roof faces and major setbacks.
Exterior equipment locations
Inverter, disconnects, conduit, battery.
Contractor information
When requested.
Production comparison
Especially if the HOA requests an alternate layout.
That last one can become extremely important.
If the HOA says:
“Move the panels.”
the homeowner and installer should be able to show:
Original annual production
versus:
HOA-requested annual production.
That's how the 10% rule becomes measurable rather than theoretical.
Example: The HOA Wants the Panels Moved
Imagine the proposed design:
Original layout
System size:
10.25 kW
Estimated annual production:
13,500 kWh
The HOA asks the installer to move panels to a less-visible roof.
New modeled production:
12,800 kWh
Reduction:
700 kWh
Percentage reduction:
Approximately:
5.2%
That may fall within the statutory 10% threshold.
Now imagine the new configuration produces:
10,800 kWh.
Reduction:
2,700 kWh
That's:
20%
below the original estimate.
Now the HOA-requested configuration presents a much more significant legal issue under the production limitation.
That's why:
Keep the production models.
What If the HOA Denies the Application?
First:
Get the denial in writing.
Don't rely entirely on:
“The board said no.”
Ask:
Which rule was not satisfied?
Which section of the written energy policy applies?
What modification is being requested?
How will that modification affect annual production?
Then compare the decision with the current Illinois statute.
Sometimes the issue may be easy to resolve.
For example:
-
Conduit color
-
Equipment screening
-
Drawing format
-
Missing architectural document
Other times the restriction may conflict with Illinois law.
If that happens, homeowners may want to consult an attorney familiar with Illinois property, HOA, or solar law.
What If the HOA Doesn't Respond?
Illinois law contains a process for situations where an association fails to:
-
Adopt a compliant written solar policy
-
Process the solar application within the required timeline
Under the current statute, the homeowner may eventually be able to proceed notwithstanding conflicting association provisions.
But:
Do not simply install the system the day a deadline expires.
The statute requires the homeowner to first provide written notice of the alleged failure and give the association:
10 business days
to cure it.
Because that's a legal remedy with real property consequences, homeowners considering this route should strongly consider qualified legal advice before proceeding.
What If the HOA Willfully Violates the Law?
Illinois law provides enforcement remedies.
A private entity that willfully violates the Act may potentially be liable for:
-
Actual damages
-
Consequential damages
The statute also provides that in litigation involving the Act, the prevailing party may be entitled to:
-
Costs
-
Reasonable attorney's fees
That's another reason an HOA dispute shouldn't automatically turn into:
Homeowner vs. board argument.
Use documentation.
Use production numbers.
Use the written policy.
And get qualified legal advice when the disagreement is serious.
Don't Start With a Fight
Suppose the HOA requests:
Black conduit instead of silver conduit
and it doesn't materially affect cost, safety, warranty, or production.
Maybe that's an easy accommodation.
Suppose it asks:
Move every panel to a heavily shaded north-facing roof and lose 25% of annual output.
That's a very different issue.
The goal shouldn't be:
“Beat the HOA.”
It should be:
“Reach a lawful design that protects the homeowner's solar rights while reasonably respecting the community's architectural standards.”
Most disputes are easier when everyone understands the actual rule.
What Should You Ask the HOA Before Going Solar?
1. Do you have a written energy policy?
Get a copy.
2. Is there an architectural application?
Use the proper process.
3. Is there an application fee?
Compare it with fees for other property modifications.
4. What documents are required?
Avoid delays from missing information.
5. Are there appearance standards?
Know them before final design.
6. Do you have rules for conduit or exterior equipment?
These may affect design.
7. Who reviews applications?
Board?
Architectural committee?
Management company?
8. When is the application considered complete?
Get clarity.
What Should You Ask the Solar Company?
1. Have you worked with HOAs before?
Useful experience matters.
2. Can you provide the layout needed for architectural review?
You shouldn't have to recreate engineering drawings yourself.
3. Can you model production if the HOA requests a different layout?
Very important for the 10% test.
4. Can you communicate with the HOA if needed?
Illinois law allows that communication at the homeowner's request.
5. Will HOA changes affect project price?
Ask before agreeing.
6. Will the change affect production?
Get the numbers.
7. Will it affect equipment warranties?
Never sacrifice proper installation simply for appearance.
Don't Sign Based on “The HOA Will Definitely Approve It”
A salesperson cannot control the HOA board.
Nor should they promise:
“Don't worry—we always get these approved.”
The better approach is:
-
Review HOA requirements early.
-
Build a reasonable design.
-
Submit the correct documents.
-
Track the application.
-
Resolve reasonable architectural concerns.
-
Use Illinois law when a restriction appears inconsistent with homeowner protections.
That's much more credible.
Our Solar Sales Red Flags Guide covers other promises homeowners should examine carefully before signing.
What If the HOA Changes the Solar Design After You Signed?
Don't automatically approve the change.
Ask for an updated:
-
Panel count
-
System size
-
Annual production
-
Solar offset
-
Equipment list
-
Project price where applicable
-
Incentive estimate where applicable
Imagine the original proposal was:
110% offset
and the HOA redesign becomes:
92% offset.
That's not merely an architectural adjustment.
It materially changes the solar proposal.
Our Solar Quote Checklist explains the key numbers homeowners should compare whenever a design changes.
Does HOA Approval Guarantee Illinois Shines Approval?
No.
They're separate.
Your HOA evaluates applicable property and architectural requirements.
Illinois Shines handles participation in Illinois's solar incentive program.
The municipality handles permits.
Your utility handles interconnection.
These systems can overlap in timing.
But:
One approval doesn't replace the others.
Does Illinois Shines Require HOA Approval?
Illinois Shines tells homeowners that some customers may need HOA approval before installation depending on their property and community.
The installer should clarify who is responsible for obtaining:
-
HOA approval
-
Municipal permit
-
Utility approval
Don't assume the solar company is automatically handling every part unless your agreement says so.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA ban solar panels in Illinois?
For properties covered by the Homeowners' Energy Policy Statement Act, an HOA generally cannot prohibit or effectively prohibit a solar energy system.
Can an HOA make me put the panels on the back of the house?
The association may regulate configuration, but it may not prohibit installation on a particular roof face, and its required configuration generally cannot reduce estimated annual production by more than 10%.
Can my HOA make me buy solar shingles?
Generally no. Illinois law specifically protects homeowners from being required to use a particular technology such as solar shingles instead of conventional panels.
Can my neighbors vote against my solar panels?
An association's written energy policy cannot make solar approval dependent on approval from adjacent property owners.
Can the HOA deny solar because I financed it?
Generally no. The current statute says permission cannot be denied based on the homeowner's chosen ownership or financing method.
How long does the HOA have to review a solar application?
Under the current statute, once the association has its policy in place, the application generally must be processed within 30 days after submission.
What happens if the HOA doesn't yet have a solar policy?
The association generally has 90 days after receiving the triggering request or application to adopt its written energy policy. An application submitted before that policy exists may have a longer processing period of up to 120 days.
Can the HOA charge me a special solar application fee?
It cannot charge more for the solar application than it assesses for comparable applications involving other property changes.
Does this law apply to every Illinois condo?
No. Important exceptions exist, including certain buildings taller than 60 feet and buildings with shared roofs. Condo and townhome owners should review the particular building and governing documents carefully.
Can I just install solar if the HOA misses the deadline?
Do not assume so. Illinois law provides a specific notice-and-cure process, including a 10-business-day cure period, before a homeowner may rely on that remedy. Consider legal advice before proceeding.
The Bigger Lesson
Having an HOA does not automatically mean:
“You can't get solar.”
And Illinois's solar-rights protections don't automatically mean:
“You can ignore the HOA.”
The better approach is:
Know your rights.
Get the written policy.
Submit the proper application.
Understand the proposed design.
Measure production impacts.
Document communications.
And:
Know when a restriction crosses from reasonable architecture into an unreasonable solar limitation.
For many Illinois homeowners, the HOA can be another step in the solar process.
It doesn't have to be the end of it.
Thinking About Solar in an HOA Community?
Start with:
Your address
Your roof
Your utility
Your electricity usage
and:
Your association requirements.
We'll help you understand what the property looks like before treating the system design as final.
No guarantees about HOA approval.
Just a clearer path through the process.
Related Illinois Solar Guides
Before You Go Solar in Illinois: 7 Things Every Homeowner Should Check
I Got a Solar Quote. Now What?
What Happens After You Sign a Solar Contract in Illinois?
10 Solar Sales Red Flags Illinois Homeowners Should Know
Illinois Solar Financing Options
Sources & References
Illinois General Assembly — 765 ILCS 165/20, Deed Restrictions and Covenants
Illinois General Assembly — 765 ILCS 165/30, Application for Approval
Illinois General Assembly — Homeowners' Energy Policy Statement Act
Illinois Shines — Consumer FAQs
LuNova Solar provides general educational information and does not provide legal advice. HOA restrictions, governing documents, property ownership, roof ownership, building type, association structure, application requirements, and individual circumstances vary. Homeowners facing a dispute with an association should review the current Illinois statute and consider advice from a qualified Illinois attorney.
