Solar panels - How to best accommodate within ACCs

Started by RichardH3 • 8 replies • 1857 views

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RichardH3 (Missouri)
Posts: 2

Posted:

Our 75 single family homeowner's association ACC is trying to be pro-active in developing guidelines to allow (with restrictions) solar panels on their property. Has any one else dealt with this in the past? I'm the ACC chairman tasked with drafting guidelines which may eventually be included in our Covenants and Restrictions. I personally feel that they should be allowed but with proper HOA guidance/restrictions so as not to create a solar panel eyesore. Any experienced solar panel installation folks out there?
Thanks in Advance .

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059

Posted:

Our documents simply state that the panels must be on the rear of the property. Thatwe realize this may not be optimum, but the panels may not be on the front in order to maintain the colonial look of the development. We also state that the association will not cut down or top trees that are on common areas to accomadate the effectiveness of the panels.

DouglasK1 (Florida)
Posts: 2,046

Posted:

Our CCRs state only that panels may not be on the front of the house. I think all of the panels installed in our subdivision are for pool heating, they are flexible plastic and lay right on the roof and are not too noticeable on the side roofs. Panels for hot water and electrical generation are typically boxier affairs and would be more noticeable.

Escaped former treasurer and director of a self managed association.

NpS (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 4,216

Posted:

You might want to check state and federal laws. Interesting article here:

http://pureenergies.com/us/blog/how-to-convince-your-homeowners-association-hoa-to-allow-solar-panels

Sikubali jukumu. Read all posts at your own risk.

JerryD5 (Colorado)
Posts: 218

Posted:

Colorado law states that HOAs are not allowed to prohibit installation of solar panels. However, we do have the homeowners submit a request to have them installed so we know they have done it.

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

While I favor solar panels, there has to be some "aesthetics" consideration or some will run wild with their installation like a 20 foot high wall of such.

BillH10 (Texas)
Posts: 1,217

Posted:

Richard

Like Colorado, a Texas association cannot prohibit the installation of solar panels, words to that effect in CC&Rs were nullified in 2011. Again, like Colorado, the association can implement reasonable requirements.

In the 2011 session, the Texas Legislature passed a bill regarding solar panels. Perhaps the rules under which we operate here may be useful to you. The actual code section is Texas Property Code Section 202.010. I am not wild about solar panels, I cannot cost justify installing them at our age, but I understand the motivation. The enacted legislation is reasonable:

http://www.weblaws.org/texas/laws/tex._prop._code_section_202.010_regulation_of_solar_energy_devices

JanetB2 (Colorado)
Posts: 4,219

Posted:

A number of states now have laws regarding solar panels ... I predict same as allowing the flying of country flag more states will follow this similar path with similar laws. If your state law does not yet address I would recommend looking at CO or other states who have addressed to determine what may be allowed in future for your association if laws are put in place.

RichardH3 (Missouri)
Posts: 2

Posted:

Thank you all for your prompt and valuable feedback. I believe I have enough info to make a recommendation to our HOA board re: this issue.

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