Are Solar Panels Generally Permitted In Housing Covenants

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.

Are solar panels generally permitted in housing covenants. 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. Hoas can utilize reasonable architectural controls for the installation of solar panels. The main concern of hoa boards are that solar panels may drastically lower home values especially in cases where only a few homes within a community have panels installed. 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.

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. Reasonable limitations of hoas or accs. 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. 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.

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.