California Solar Rights Act On January 1, 2005, the latest amendment to the California Solar Rights Act became effective. What Does It Do? Prohibits local governments from creating barriers to solar energy installations or using aesthetic considerations or unreasonable health and safety issues to prevent solar power system installations. Use the following links to get the complete text of the latest amendments: California Civil Code §714 Prohibits local governments from creating unreasonable barriers for solar energy installations. Additionally, any reasonable restrictions cannot cost more than $2,000 and cannot reduce the efficiency of the solar energy system. California Health & Safety Code § 17959.1 Prevents cities and counties from denying solar energy system installation permits unless there is substantial recorded evidence that it would have a specific, adverse impact on public health and safety. California Government Code § 65850.5 Cities or counties shall approve solar energy installation applications or require a use permit if they believe there could be a specific, adverse impact upon public health and safety.