Is installing solar panels illegal in any state?

Technically, no state outlaws or bans solar panels; quite the opposite. Most states have solar access laws that forbid any agreement, covenant, condition, bylaw, or contract that outlaws or limits solar installations by Homeowners Associations (HOA) or other municipal bodies.

Are solar panels legal?

In fact, the government has been supporting solar panels by providing support and financial incentives. Certain homeowners associations (HOAs) prohibit solar panel installations, but these are generally illegal and unenforceable. Generally, you may assume that solar panel installations are acceptable, even encouraged by the government.

Are solar access laws illegal?

With that being said, unpermitted systems are illegal to operate in many American jurisdictions, even in states with solar access laws. What is the difference between solar access laws and solar easement laws?

Will a retroactive tax on solar panels hurt the solar industry?

Retroactive taxes on solar panels from China are likely to dramatically increase costs for U.S. solar installers. If the government decides to impose these taxes on the country's primary sources of solar panels, the resulting stress on the supply chain could put a damper on the solar industry's expansion.

Are solar panels a viable option?

However, some states still make installing solar panels functionally impossible by creating laws with “reasonable restrictions,” such as increased taxing, energy caps, or even billing solar panel users. Combine these laws with a lack of incentive programs, and solar panels are not viable for homeowners in many states.

Can HOAs ban solar panels?

In short, HOAs cannot ban installations of any solar energy device. Still, they may regulate it on aspects such as approving only certain types of solar energy devices, providing maintenance, and requiring homeowners to apply for approval before installing solar panels.