Bill
HB 5677
Allows unit owners in common interest communities to install solar on their property, while limiting bans and setting objective aesthetic/safety rules and review timelines.
Status and procedural history
- Introduced: April 14, 2025. Companion: SB 3047.
- Passed both chambers (House and Senate) in May 2025; enrolled and transmitted to the Governor.
- Filed without the Governor’s signature on June 20, 2025; remarks note an effective date (see enrolled bill for exact date).
- Current status: enrolled and filed (became law without signature) — check the enrolled bill or state statutes for the official effective date and final text.
Main purpose / intent
- To address and clarify the rights and restrictions relating to installation of solar energy systems by owners in “common interest ownership communities” (e.g., condominiums, cooperatives, homeowners associations).
- Generally seeks to facilitate deployment of rooftop and other small-scale solar by residents while balancing association interests (aesthetics, structural integrity, shared roofing).
Key provisions (based on bill title and typical statutory approaches)
Note: the full bill text was not provided. The items below summarize the likely/typical types of provisions such legislation contains; consult the enrolled bill for exact language.
- Owner installation rights: establishes or clarifies an individual unit owner’s right to install and maintain a solar energy system on a unit’s roof, balcony or limited common element subject to specified conditions.
- Limitations on association prohibitions: prohibits associations or governing documents from unreasonably restricting or effectively banning solar installations; may bar blanket prohibitions.
- Reasonable aesthetics and safety conditions: permits associations to impose reasonable, objective restrictions (e.g., color, placement, concealment of conduit) that do not significantly increase system cost or decrease efficiency.
- Approval and review process: sets timelines and procedures for association review/approval of proposed installations to prevent undue delay.
- Liability, insurance, and indemnity: may require installers/owners to provide proof of insurance, indemnify the association for damage caused by installation/maintenance, and comply with building codes and permits.
- Maintenance and removal: allocates responsibility for maintenance, repair, and removal (e.g., owner responsible for roof penetrations on limited common elements).
- Applicability: defines which “common interest ownership communities” and types of solar systems are covered.
Who is affected
- Unit owners in condominiums, HOAs and similar communities who want to install solar.
- Community associations and boards (must update review procedures and enforce new limits).
- Solar installers, insurers, and lenders (requirements for approvals, insurance, liens, or estoppel processes).
- Potentially, municipalities and permitting authorities (coordination on permits and codes).
Potential impacts
- Increases access to distributed solar for residents in shared-governance communities.
- Could reduce association control over exterior appearance but typically preserves narrow, objective restrictions for safety and aesthetics.
- May accelerate residential solar adoption, energy cost savings, and community emissions reductions.
- Could create administrative changes for associations (new approval timelines, insurance verification).
Next steps / where to find final details
- Review the enrolled bill text and any legislative remarks for the exact statutory language and effective date (state legislature website or enrolled bill record).
- Consult association counsel for compliance guidance and for updates to governing documents and procedures.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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