Solar Access Laws

If you’re thinking of installing solar panels on your house in an attempt to be more “green” and to save yourself some money when it comes to utility bills, you might want to check out your neighborhood covenant laws. You might not have the “right” to make these types of changes to your own home. Some people are finding this out the hard and costly way. In spite of the large and growing support for renewable energy and even the encouragement of renewable energy development at the state and federal level many homeowner associations restrict or downright prohibit installing a solar energy system. Being that solar rights are not the clear cut issue you would think, some states have had to implement solar access and easement laws, designed to protect a consumer’s right to install and operate solar energy systems on their homes. So while installing solar panels on your home seems like a “no-brainer” when it comes to an energy choice, it would serve you well to do your homework first on your local community rules. It could very well save you a whole lot of time, money, and emotional upheaval in the long run.