Massachusetts voids property rules that block solar panels and sets 60-day review limit for homeowners' associations

Original title: An Act ensuring solar energy access

Last action · April 6, 2026: Accompanied a study order, see H5323Sponsors: Carmine Gentile and 6 others

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What This Bill Would Do

Massachusetts voids any property restriction that forbids or unreasonably restricts solar energy systems, and requires homeowners' s to review and decide on solar installations within 60 days. The measure defines unreasonable restrictions as those that increase installation costs by more than 10 per cent or $1,000, decrease efficiency by more than 10 per cent, or substantially burden . Aggrieved property owners may file civil lawsuits to recover damages, costs, and attorneys' fees.

Why it matters

Homeowners living in communities governed by s gain the legal right to install solar energy systems without facing prohibitive financial or efficiency burdens, while associations face strict timelines and potential civil liability for blocking requests.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Homeowners

Homeowners gain the legal right to install solar energy systems free from unreasonable association restrictions and can sue for damages and legal fees if violated.

Directly affected

Homeowners' associations

Associations must review solar installation requests within 60 days, provide written explanations for restrictions, and face potential civil liability for non-compliance.

Key Facts

Any property ownership or use instrument that forbids or unreasonably restricts solar energy systems is declared void.
Homeowners' associations and similar entities must review homeowner requests regarding solar access and installations and reach a decision within 60 calendar days.
Associations must provide written explanations for any restrictions placed on solar access or installations.
Unreasonable restrictions include those that increase installation or usage costs by more than 10 per cent or $1,000, whichever is lower.

Show all 8 facts

Unreasonable restrictions include those that decrease a solar energy system's efficiency by more than 10 per cent of its specified efficiency.
Unreasonable restrictions include those that substantially curtail or burden solar access.
Individuals aggrieved by a violation may file a civil action for injunctive relief and damages.
Prevailing plaintiffs in civil actions under this section are awarded court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my homeowners' association ban me from installing solar panels?

No. The bill voids any property instrument or rule that forbids or unreasonably restricts the installation or use of a solar energy system.

How long does an association have to respond to a solar installation request?

An must review the request and reach a decision within a reasonable time that does not exceed 60 calendar days.

What happens if an association imposes unreasonable restrictions on solar panels?

Aggrieved persons can institute a civil action for and damages, and if they prevail, they must be awarded court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees.

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

5 actions

Apr 6, 2026House
Accompanied a study order, see H5323
Dec 4, 2025House
Reporting date extended to Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Sep 30, 2025Joint
Hearing scheduled for 10/09/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
Feb 27, 2025Senate
Senate concurred
Feb 27, 2025HouseCommittee
Referred to the committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

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