Glossary
Solar access
A property's practical right to receive sunlight for a solar energy system, protected by statute, easement, or local rule.
Why it matters
Solar access determines whether a system can work: shade from trees, buildings, or new
construction can reduce or eliminate production. Protections take different forms — restrictive-
covenant limits (what an HOA may prohibit), solar easements (recorded rights to sunlight), and in
some states specific access statutes for shading disputes.
What to check
Which form of protection applies in the state and locality, whether the protection covers the
proposed system, and how shading from neighboring property is treated.
Jurisdictional variation
Solar access law varies widely by state; some states have explicit access statutes, while others
rely on easements, local rules, or general nuisance and property law. The guides citing this term
identify the applicable state sources.