Solar Energy

Started by GraceG1 • 14 replies • 1655 views

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GraceG1 (California)
Posts: 3

Posted:

Thinking about getting solar installed in my home through a Solar Company everything seems to be in order and very benifical and helps with Electric costs and increases my homes value.

But are there any other rules or regulations that i have to do or look into to make sure all of this is in line with the HOA and county?

Are there and suggestions or things to look for while i have this company imputing Solar panels on my home?

FredS7 (Arizona)
Posts: 927

Posted:

>Are there and suggestions or things to look for while i have this company imputing Solar panels on my home?

I think you need to get your ducks in a row BEFORE they start driving nails.

Many things require a building permit from the city, etc.

The HOA probably has rules on the books. They MAY be superseded by state regulation. Even so, getting this straightened out first is a much better idea than installing first and becoming a test case later.

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059

Posted:

Grace,

Here is a link to Davis-Stirling.com green issues menu page.

Please note, as Fred specified, you also need to check building permits, licenses of contractors and rules/regulations of the association.

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Grace

Let me second what Fred and Tim say.

My understanding is no one can prohibit solar panels but you cannot be willy nilly and somebody install whatever you want, where and when you want no matter what the solar panel company says.

One will need at least HOA Approval and building permits. Do not sign a contract nor commence installation until you have cleared the HOA and buiding permit issues.

Hope this helps.

CarolF (Florida)
Posts: 435

Posted:

Also, make sure this will not void any roof warranty that you have.

PeterD3 (Florida)
Posts: 708

Posted:

Not to be crass, but what kind of 'numbers' did you crunch.

The payback in my situation (Sunny S. Fla.) would take 2 or more decades.

When do you expect to see payback?

I'm all for it but it seems to be more show than go with current PV technology.

GraceG1 (California)
Posts: 3

Posted:

Peter the rebates for Ca though the state i get back when i do my taxes. the county i get there rebat 4 to 6 weeks after the install and i didnt have to pay any out of out pocket cost. And it will increase my property value by $20,000. And i pay for my solar with intent own through my property taxes and the permits and everything the solar company does and includes in the cost of the system i dont pay anything just maybe a 100 bucks more in my property taxes which i can write off.

PeterD3 (Florida)
Posts: 708

Posted:

Sounds 'too good to be true'.

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By GraceG1 on 12/17/2012 2:44 PM
i dont pay anything just maybe a 100 bucks more in my property taxes which i can write off.

Don't forget the maintenance of the batteries and cleaning of the panels.
Additionally, at some point in time, the batteries will need to be replaced.

Make sure you look at the future costs in addition to the installation costs.

GraceG1 (California)
Posts: 3

Posted:

i thought it was too good to be true at first too they sat down with me and explained everything in detail and did the math with me it is worth it!

the panels have a 25 yr warranty and i just have to wash them off like a would my roof every so often it uses the sun and moonlight rays to charge it and the kilowatts i dont use i edision buys back from me.

CarolF (Florida)
Posts: 435

Posted:

Grace - I would not sign any agreements until I had someone else, a knowledgeable friend or family member, look over this. It just doesn't seem logical that you wouldn't have any out of pocket expenses. Please get some references from people who have had this done, used this same company, and actually seen the panels installed on the people's roofs who are giving a reference.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

I agree with the other posters. I know that this option is not out of pocket free. Sales people will tell you many things and then walk away. Check with the Better Business Bureau for feedback.

Yes there are tax breaks and such but those are changing. Check you tax laws first as things change every year. You have to pay out to get a tax break do you not?

Solar panels are great option. The technology changes alot. I would make sure to do more research of other options. Too many of us posters here are seeing red flags about this. Maybe try to sell us on it so we can see where we see the issues. Thanks!

Former HOA President

PaulT6 (California)
Posts: 409

Posted:

As mentioned earlier, if it sounds too good to be true it probably isn't. There is no such thing as a free lunch. I think it may be human nature to believe what you want to believe. If your primary reason for doing it is to save money, be very careful. If you are doing it to be "Green" it is your business how you spend your money.

Paul T

LarryB13 (Arizona)
Posts: 4,099

Posted:

Grace,

About 18 months ago someone called at my front door with a similar offer of solar power at no cost. We set an appointment for a representative to come back when my wife was home. During that first conversation, the person asked about our credit. After he left I wondered why my credit would be an issue if there was no money coming out of my pocket, as they promised.

Since we had just purchased our home, money (and credit) were suddenly in short supply so we decided to cancel the appointment. The card the first person left us had a company name but no phone number and no address. I later found out that the company was actually an out-of-state outfit that had set up shop in Arizona to take advantage of promised tax credits and rebates. When the tax credits expired, the contractor folded his tents and left town.

I am always amused when the company offering a 25-year warranty has only been in business for 6 months.

About ten years ago the state of Arizona offered huge tax credits for the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles. There were a lot of wealthy people who purchased $50,000 Chevy Suburbans converted to burn propane or gasoline and they planned on paying most of the cost with their tax credits. When the end of the year rolled around, the legislature decided it was too costly and eliminated the tax credits. I would be wary of government agencies offering rebates and tax credits as they can change their minds.

What happens if you agree to have the solar panels installed and the rebates and/or tax credits fail to materialize? You have no contract with the state or other government agency so they are not obligated to fork over the money promised by the solar seller. You will likely be on the hook for this solar installation. The seller is not going to walk away without payment.

Before you dive into this purchase, it might be a good idea to seek out bids from other solar companies and get their take on these rebates and tax credits. I would also research the history of the company making the offer. You should also verify that the tax credits and rebates really exist and that you and your purchase will qualify.

FredO (California)
Posts: 198

Posted:

Grace,

I would definitely check with your local utility company. They should have all the info and maybe even have a list of certified or approved vendors. For all others who do not live in Calif, our Gov. is very pro-Green. About 10 years ago, we had a huge energy crisis here with some power plants manipulating when they were going offline for "supposed" maintenance. This was when the energy market was put into a free-for-all with no controls on energy prices. The prices were set as supply and demand. When supply went offline, the prices skyrocketed! The result was the state went from a multi-Billion dollar surplus to a $28B deficit in less than 9 months. The Gov at the time was put out of office and Gov Schwarzenegger came into office.

The State is issuing Solar power rebates and many counties also have their own programs. In this regard, I have to say that Calif is leading the way.

The Solar company that is trying to sell you the system should be able to provide you with a copy of the Federal Law that expressly prohibits HOA's from interfering with your installation of Solar (Photo-Voltaic). There may be local Fire code regulations and building permit items to deal with. If your HOA is detached single family Homes then you will not have any problem with the HOA. As a courtesy though, I would suggest that you contact them or the Arch Review Committee and let them know you are thinking of installing PV Solar.

If they give you any push-back then you could provide them a copy of the Federal law as well as the section of the Davis-Stirling Act that allows Solar within HOA's.

As other poster's have noted, be wary of any fly by night companies. Make sure you check them out! There are a few US Wide and even world-wide companies doing installations. In the region of Calif where I live, we have PG&E and they have a list of companies they have authorized to do the work or sell the systems. Since the system will be tying into their power grid, they want to be able to make sure the company is certified to do the work safely. (This protects you, your house and any utility workers).

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