Are Solar Panels Generally Permitted In Housing Covenants

First they ll need to gain permission from their condominium board of directors or homeowners association hoa by confirming that solar will not damage their building s roof and if it does it is covered under a warranty and will increase the property s value.

Are solar panels generally permitted in housing covenants.

A solar collector or other device or a structural design feature of a structure which provides for the collection of sunlight and which comprises part of a system for the conversion of the sun s radiant energy into thermal chemical mechanical or electrical energy solar panels clearly fall within this definition. While solar access laws protect your right to install solar on your roof solar easements provide a legal avenue for homeowners to protect their home s access to sunshine. Most relevant to cc rs the code states that p rivate restrictions on solar energy systems such as homeowner s association covenants or restrictions shall not be permitted 28 to view the provision see laramie wy code of ordinances 15 14 030 a 1 b 2017. In states with solar easements property owners can negotiate with their neighbors to protect their right to sunlight and prevent obstructions such as trees or structures on a neighbor s lawn that cast shade on their panels.

Two dozen states including maryland have solar access rights laws that limit homeowner associations from banning solar panels. 38 30 168 addresses the authority of hoas to regulate the installation and use of solar energy devices which are defined as. Hoas can utilize reasonable architectural controls for the installation of solar panels. A large number of covenants contain some version of the language that no solar panels shall be permitted or solar panels may not be erected or placed on the property.

One of the first things that a homeowner needs to determine before installing solar panels in a home located in an hoa community is whether there are any restrictive covenants or homeowner s association rules that prevent or restrict a homeowner s right to install solar panels on his or her home. Under house bill 2008 1270 hoas that are subject to ccioa cannot preclude the use of solar panels.