Homeowners and residential solar installers have cause for celebration in Michigan following the passage of a new law prohibiting homeowners' associations (HOAs) from banning PV systems, but restrictions do apply.

Like the restrictions and limitations posed by the country’s surging number of HOAs, making sales pitches in these communities remains a major obstacle to successfully expanding residential solar installation businesses in this important market segment.

Let’s unpack the news from Michigan and how residential installers can overcome the challenges posed by the “reasonable restrictions” that HOAs continue to implement.

Michigan Prohibits HOA Solar Bans 

In a big win for Michigan’s residential solar market, the state’s new Homeowners' Energy Policy Act invalidated any homeowners’ associations’ (HOAs) provisions against a wide range of energy-efficiency home improvements, including rooftop PV solar systems. Michigan joins the ranks of 29 other states with solar access laws protecting homeowners' rights to install solar panels.

Under Michigan's new law:

1. HOAs can no longer prohibit or require approval for members to install solar panels or make necessary auxiliary changes.

2. HOAs cannot impose fees, demand post-installation reports, or monitor homeowners' energy usage.

While this is a significant victory for solar access to the estimated 1.4 million Michiganders living in HOA communities, it's important to note that HOAs can still place "reasonable restrictions" on solar installations, such as limiting panel height or requiring them to conform to the roof's slope.

More HOAs Mean More Potential Residential Solar Restrictions

Much like the “reasonable restrictions” in Michigan’s new law, HOAs in many states still have the authority to restrict solar installations, whether for aesthetic concerns or assumptions about property-value impacts.

With the rise of HOAs in the U.S., these communities comprise more than half of all US households, and they’re trending upward.

• As of 2024, more than 40 million U.S. households (53% of homeowners) live in HOA communities.

• In 2023, 82.4% of new homes sold were part of an HOA, up 2.74% from the previous year.

• In 2021, 78% of newly constructed single-family homes built for sale were part of an HOA community, up from 64% in 2011.

• The total number of housing units in HOAs reached 27.7 million in 2021, a 39x increase since 1970

As the data indicates, these organizations have become a dominant force in the residential landscape — and a formidable obstacle for installers selling PV systems in regions with heavy concentrations of HOAs. 

Restrictions on solar panels can present significant challenges and barriers to residential solar businesses, directly impacting bottom lines. Potential customers living in HOA communities may be discouraged from pursuing solar if they believe the board will deny the installation, leading to lost sales and a reduced market presence in areas with high HOA concentrations. Additionally, navigating HOA approval processes and modifying designs to meet HOA requirements can increase soft costs and extend project timelines, significantly straining resources and profitability, especially for smaller installation companies.

However, a simple strategy exists to help overcome these limitations and expand solar adoption in HOA communities.

A Flexible Solar Solution for Residential Installers

Trinasolar's innovative Vertex S+ modules offer a powerful solution, providing the flexibility and performance needed to overcome common HOA restrictions on solar panels. Installers using Vertex S+ empower homeowners to enjoy the benefits of clean energy while adhering to their community's guidelines and maintaining the aesthetic appeal of their neighborhoods.

Compact Size With a Sleek, All-Black Design

One of the main concerns HOAs have with solar panels is their appearance and impact on the overall aesthetics of the neighborhood. HOAs may have rules dictating panels' color, size, and placement to ensure they blend in with the existing architecture.

The Vertex S+ addresses these issues with its compact size and sleek design:

• The Vertex S+ has a surface area of less than two square meters, making it one of the most compact solar panels on the market.

• Its sleek, all-black appearance allows it to blend seamlessly with various roof types and styles, minimizing visual disruption.

High Power Output in a Smaller Package

HOAs may have rules regarding where homeowners can install solar panels, such as only on the roof or backyard. They may also impose size limits on the panels or the total system capacity.

Despite its compact size, the 210mm advanced platform with n-type TOPCon technology enables Vertex S+ to deliver impressive power output, ensuring maximized solar energy production with a smaller footprint.

• The dedicated residential module delivers 435W maximum power output and 21.5% maximum efficiency, resulting in fewer modules required than legacy p-type modules.

• The dual glass bifacial configuration offers additional energy yield from the rear side of the cells.

• With exceptional low-light performance, the panels can offer high energy yields even in shaded or non-optimal roof placement.

More System Flexibility and Easier Installations

Designed with ease of installation in mind, Vertex S+ can offer a significant advantage when working within strict HOA guidelines and timelines.

• A weight of only 46.5 lbs makes the modules easy to handle and install.

• The compact size reduces the time and effort required for installation, minimizing disruption to the community.

• Compatible with racking via crossbeam, four-point mounting, or shared rail.

• A low short-circuit current makes it widely compatible with inverters and optimizers, allowing for seamless integration into different solar power systems and avoiding project delays.

Extended Warranty and Durability

HOAs often prioritize the longevity and durability of home additions in their communities. The Vertex S+ excels in this area, offering an extended warranty and robust construction.

• TrinaProtect automatically covers all Vertex S+ sold in the U.S. with a 25-year product and a 25-year performance warranty, significantly improving the panels’ guaranteed lifetime.

• The modules have a lower degradation profile thanks to their n-type TOPCon cells and dual-glass structure, ensuring better performance over time.

The shift towards solar-friendly policies and innovative module technology presents a tremendous opportunity for residential installers to expand their businesses and accelerate rooftop solar adoption in HOAs. Installers can create flexible, visually appealing solar solutions that overcome the most stringent HOA requirements and limitations by leveraging the compact size, high power output, sleek design, and durability of Trinasolar's Vertex S+ modules. 

Learn more about the benefits of Vertex S+ and the Trinasolar US Advantage.