Are you a “city-dweller” or “suburbanite” thinking about going solar?
If so, one of the first questions a good solar provider will ask is: Do you live inside a homeowners’ association (HOA) community? If so, there are some things you will need to consider before you pick out which solar panels to buy and where to have your new solar array installed.
This single factor—being a member of an HOA—can play a huge role in not only the types of panels you are allowed to have, but also their placement on your property.
That being said, let’s dive in and take a closer look at HOAs and solar. We’ll also cover some common solar HOA rules, stipulations, and considerations.
Going Solar When You Live in an HOA: Things to Consider
Buying a property in a planned community or condo complex makes perfect sense for many urban homeowners. These types of communities tend to require you to join a homeowners’ association (HOA) when you purchase property there.
An HOA often takes care of many things for you; they can handle things like lawncare and snow removal, as well as maintaining common areas like parks, trails, community rooms, and pools.
This takes a lot of the hassle out of home ownership! You get more time to spend enjoying your property and various community amenities that you wouldn’t have otherwise.
However, many HOAs can have fairly stringent rules about the aesthetics of the properties therein. For example, exterior paint colors, fencing materials, and even landscaping choices can be dictated by your HOA. So, it makes sense that solar panels might also fall under their jurisdiction.
Here are a couple of things to ask, consider, and check into before you decide to go solar in an HOA.
1. Is Solar Allowed in My HOA?
First and foremost, you will want to be sure that solar is allowed in your HOA. Many states have enacted laws to protect homeowners’ rights to have solar power on their personal property, even inside HOAs, but there are still places where HOAs can ban solar panels.
You’ll want to ask your HOA if solar is allowed, and then research local solar access laws and solar easements as necessary.
2. Required Aesthetics of Solar Panels in HOA Communities
Many HOAs require that solar panels meet certain visual criteria. HOAs want to maintain the carefully planned appearance of the community. Thus, it isn’t uncommon for solar panels to be required to adhere to their aesthetic stipulations. For example, they can ask that you:
- Purchase a certain color of solar panels: black or blue
- Place solar panels in an inconspicuous or specific location on your property
- Limit the size of your solar array so as not to disrupt the visual appeal of your home
- Match the color of your solar panels to the color of your roof
Even though living in an HOA can restrict your solar options, it doesn’t mean you can’t go solar in an HOA. Just have an honest conversation with your HOA before you decide which panels to buy, and you should be good to go!
Solar Sam: Your Partner in HOA-Approved, Expert Solar Solutions
Do you live and want to go solar in Kansas City or St. Louis? Solar Sam is here to help you with all your Kansas City solar or St. Louis solar needs.
We proudly serve our neighbors with expert solutions for Missouri solar, Illinois solar, and Kansas solar. And no matter where you live in the continental United States, we can help you find and professionally install the solar system you need for any project, from large commercial or agricultural to small residential.
Whether you’re looking for solar panels or solar products for your home, land, or business, Solar Sam has you covered. To serve you in the best ways possible, we focus on carrying the latest tech and the highest quality solar panels and products from some of the industry’s top brands.
Be sure to check out our website for deals that are out of this world. And when you’re ready to take advantage of the federal solar tax credit, give us a call at 833-RU-SOLAR (833-787-6527) to get started with a free quote.
Solar Sam helps you power your life with green energy run by the sun!
