Eric Schirmer thought the time was right to add solar panels to his Plano home to cut electricity costs and help the environment. The price of solar panels has dropped in recent years and an array on his south-facing rear roof would take full advantage of the ability to generate electricity from sunlight. But when Schirmer submitted an application to his homeowner association, his request was denied — despite a Texas law that bans HOAs from restricting the use of solar power. That’s because homes in his subdivision, the Trails of Glenwood, are still being built. And the law allows builders to restrict solar-energy devices while a housing development is under construction.