Solar power bylaws

Hi:

I am a new board member for a community in Maryland, and we are interested in developing bylaws regarding use of solar energy technology. Maryland law states that an HOA may not impose unreasonable limitations on the installation of a solar collector system on the roof or exterior walls of a person's property, where unreas significantly increases cost of solar system; or significantly decreases the efficiency of the solar collector system.

We are wrestling with what constitutes a significant cost increase or efficiency decrease. Have any of you established solar guidelines under such constraints? And if, so would you be willing to share your approach with us?

I have found some references to this in California where litigation has defined it as 10% cost increase/efficiency decrease. But was hoping there were some examples closer to Maryland.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Keith

Keith,

From the solar powers aspect of this, the collector panel(s) must have a specific orientation to the sun to power the system. The collector's direction must be specific to your area and everyone must follow that direction to make the systems work. If the HOA restricts placement of the collector, then you lose efficiency. If the HOA says that the collector can only go in a back yard and there are nothing but trees and shade, then the system would not work at all. This is where the HOA now must adapt to the 21st century and have a little flexability on conservation methods. Yea to Maryland for giving instructions to engage in new technology.

Keep in mind, new systems have really, really small but efficient collectors so the arguement of them being ughy is totally mute. They even come in colors...WOW!

For instance, on the equator, the collector goes STRAIGHT UP...facing the sun.in your area the orientation is Others may find this installation guidelines on www.freesunpower.com and click on "example systems"

Keith, your area reccomends that the collector inclination at arould 39 to 51 degrees. There are charts that will help to determine where they need to be facing. With this in mind, rules must be adoptted to allow for correct installs.

This You Tube shows some of the donated solar systems that were installed in Haiti after the earthquake. NOTICE THE SIZE OF THESE COMMERCIAL SIZE SYSTEMS.

"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Fqr9pgCZ8c

P.S. My Husband is a solat lighting engineer for a commercial lighting company in Florida, land of sunshine and solar power heaven.

Hi Keith:
Welcome to HOA Talk. I bet a Maryland vender of solar panels can help you out. They must deal with this all the time.
Jeanne

Well we could be talking about single family homes or in some cases these laws apply to condos, and townhouses.

Each has their own issues.

Thanks for the input thus far.

To answer Rob's question, the homes in our Maryland community include town homes, single family homes, and duplexes; no condos or apartments.

I have tried several solar vendors in the area; thus far with no luck, but will keep trying.

Definitely will run any bylaws by our lawyers prior to moving on them.

To Roger's excellent suggestions, I would add a recommendation to establish an architectural control policy concerning solar installations and maintenance. This would be to protect both the homeowner and the HOA.

And by the way, as both the Architectural Control Committee chair and the Energy Committee chair for my HOA, I have researched solar as an option for our HOA, in hopes that we might be able to at least defray some of our common area electricity costs, and all I can say is: do a credit check before signing anything.

Rob

Hi Keith,

The Bylaws describe the framework of the government of your Association.

The Articles of Incorporation (assuming your HOA is a corporation) define the corporation.

The CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions; may be called different things in different states) essentially define the community your HOA manages, and the contract all homeowners agree to abide by when they purchase.

The Rules and Regulations define the specific "rules of the road" that are not covered in the CC&Rs. For example, speed limits, animal control policies, hours the pool are in operation, noise limits, parking restrictions, etc.

Finally, there are the policy documents that may be very detailed, and typically focus on single subjects.

For example, you may have a maintenance policy that lists all of the elements that need maintenance,and whose responsibility (HOA or homeowner) it is to maintain them.

You may also have a plumbing policy that defines the responsibility for leaks and floods.

You may have an Architectural policy that describes what a homeowner can alter, what the HOA can alter, and whose responsibility it is to maintain, replace, repair any part of any structure, how to get approval, etc., etc.

Hope this helps.

Rob

I was thinking of getting of solar panel for my home to get rid of the electricity bills and all and i am not aware of the procedure and best quality materials required for it.Do i assemble it or these are available in the market easily?Please suggest me so that i can enjoy this renewable energy.