Homeowners urge clearer state law to prevent HOAs from blocking rooftop solar

Homeowners and climate advocates told the Joint Committee on Housing that House Bill 3,996 should be reported favorably to clarify the state’s solar access law and prevent homeowners' associations from effectively blocking rooftop solar installations through vague “unreasonable regulation” language.

Linda Lancaster, a Plymouth homeowner who installed a rooftop system in 2014, testified that homeowners should have a right to install rooftop solar in HOA governed communities and urged the committee to amend the statute to eliminate loopholes that allow local restrictions based on aesthetics. Anatole Zuckerman of Citizens' Climate Lobby said local rules can be used to prohibit leasing rooftops to solar companies and that the state language should be strengthened to align municipal and HOA practices with state clean‑energy goals.

Proponents argued the change would help households reduce energy bills and support state greenhouse‑gas reduction targets; they asked the committee to act to ensure that HOA rules do not defeat state policy. The committee did not vote during the hearing.