Installing solar panels on a rental property almost always requires your landlord's written permission. The landlord owns the building's structure, including the roof, and most leases explicitly prohibit permanent modifications without approval. Local Law 92 and Local Law 94 require that the roofs of certain buildings be partially covered with green roof or solar photovoltaic electricity generating systems in accordance with the New York City Building Code. At its most basic level, a roof functions to provide protection from the elements. For existing buildings, solar installation work should comply with NYC Construction Codes, NYC Electrical Code, NYC Energy Conservation Code and applicable zoning regulations. Per the 2014 Administrative Code, section 28-101. Here are some key legal issues to be aware of when considering solar panel installations on NYC rooftops: NYC has. A key statute, Real Property Law 335-b, prohibits unreasonable restrictions on solar panel installations, ensuring private agreements or local ordinances do not unduly limit solar access. Read on to see what this could mean for your NYC property.