Advise a customer whose HOA is restricting or delaying a solar installation on solar-access-rights grounds (California)

Steps

1. Cite California Civil Code Section 714 (part of the Solar Rights Act): any HOA governing document provision that 'effectively prohibits or restricts' installation or use of a solar energy system is void and unenforceable
2. Apply the two quantitative thresholds the HOA cannot exceed with an aesthetic or placement restriction: it cannot increase total system cost by more than $1,000, and cannot reduce expected electricity output (in kWh) by more than 10%
3. Confirm the HOA's response-time obligation: it must approve or deny a complete solar application within 45 calendar days of submission; missing that deadline effectively voids its ability to block the installation
4. Where the HOA imposes only reasonable aesthetic conditions within those thresholds (e.g., panel placement preferences that don't cross the cost/output limits), those conditions remain enforceable
5. If the HOA crosses a threshold or misses the 45-day deadline, note that Civil Code 714 supports a legal enforcement path including recovery of attorney's fees for a successful challenge — but refer the customer to counsel rather than advising on litigation strategy directly