How to get HOA Approval for a Solar Array

The number of homeowners who fall under a homeowner’s association (HOA) continues to grow each year. An HOA can be wonderful in managing community services and building guidelines of a planned community, thus, helping to maintain visual continuity throughout the neighborhood. However, the addition of modern exterior building materials, architectural designs, and home or lot additions may be prohibited by the by-laws of the association. When it comes to solar, an HOA is typically concerned about the curb appeal of the property, just as they are with what color you paint the house, if the yard is well kept, or if you want to build a small shed in the backyard. If your HOA is a barrier to moving forward with a solar installation there are some steps you can take to seek HOA approval.

Can the HOA Prevent Solar

Many states have adopted laws like solar easement or solar access laws/rights. This means the governing HOA cannot prohibit its members from installing solar on their property. However, an HOA does have the power to apply “reasonable restrictions” which could allow them to influence the design and/or placement of the array. These laws vary state by state, and for this reason, homeowners should check applicable state laws before installing solar.

If you are concerned your HOA is not supportive of you generating your own clean, renewable solar energy, it is recommended to seek professionals who can provide the necessary solar education to the association’s governing body. Eagle Point Solar’s core focus is to provide solar education designed to energize people to save money while protecting the environment. By leading the solar efforts in your community, you can begin to foster meaningful conversations and build relationships between the solar company doing the design and installation and the HOA. These preliminary meetings will ensure HOA aesthetic guidelines and concerns are equally balanced with the local utility policy, solar requirements, and electrical and building codes.

Understand the Process & Rules

Every HOA will have its own set of covenants and processes for various aspects of the community. It is important to know and understand the current rules in place for the addition of solar as well as the process necessary to evoke change, should the HOA not have a pro-solar policy in place. Many associations have adapted given the changing renewable energy landscape and relaxed their solar guidelines to be more supportive of climate change initiatives and growing demand for homeowners to reduce their energy costs and increase property value.

Eagle Point Solar will work with you to obtain, complete, and submit any paperwork necessary for HOA acceptance of solar, as well as lead educational meetings, answer questions, submit qualifications and supply preliminary solar designs to the HOA governing body.

The Bigger Picture

Many HOAs have supportive solar rules in place or they are seeking help in identifying solutions to offer pro-solar policies to their neighborhood while maintaining a certain level of aesthetics. It is important to note, an HOA that does not have solar rules in place, does not necessarily mean they are opposed to change. Many times, it just takes the proper education to open the door to developing the proper HOA solar policies. As residential solar continues to grow in adoption, there are many people who have no understanding of how it works. This is where an expert can help provide the education necessary to keep your project moving forward.

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