An Act ensuring solar energy access

This bill amends Massachusetts law to protect homeowners' rights to install solar energy systems by overriding restrictions in homeowners' associations and other property covenants. It specifically voids any rules that forbid or unreasonably limit solar panels and requires associations to review installation requests within 60 days while providing written explanations for any denials. The legislation defines unreasonable restrictions as those that increase costs by more than 10 percent or $1,000, reduce system efficiency by over 10 percent, or significantly block sunlight access. Additionally, the bill allows homeowners who face violations of these new rules to sue for damages and recover legal fees.