Virginia law forbids ordinances, deed restrictions, covenants, or similar binding agreements from prohibiting solar equipment use. Under this law, a homeowner may not be denied permission from an HOA or similar entity to install a solar collector or other solar energy device. While your HOA does not have the right to prevent you from installing solar panels on your roof, they do have the right to impose reasonable restrictions on the placement of the equipment. Oftentimes they restrict homeowners from installing equipment on the front of their roof, with no regards to roof orientation. So, it is very important to obtain permission from your HOA before making any plans to install solar. You’ve convinced me – I want to install a solar system to power my home or business!