Installing Solar Panels On A Condo

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.

Installing solar panels on a condo.

We now use a 1 5 kw solar panel system that generates enough power for our 2 bedroom home. My husband and i never thought we could heat our chicago condominium unit with solar energy we don t even own exclusive roof rights on our building. Here s what you can do. First you need to get permission from the board of directors of your condominium.

Under civil code 714 1 if a condo owner wants to install solar panels on their own rooftop or adjacent garage or carport hoas can no longer prohibit them or require a member vote for approval. Yes you read that right. Florida statute 163 04 2 expressly prohibits homeowner and condo associations from preventing its members from installing solar collectors clotheslines or other energy devices based on renewable resources from being installed on buildings erected on the lots or parcels covered by the deed restriction covenant declaration or binding agreement. This will vary based on the building type and ownership type but it s an important requirement.

Obtaining hoa approval to go solar on your condo. California established the solar rights act in 1978 which limits the ability of hoas and local governments to prevent the installation of solar panel systems. In a unit owner project one or more unit owners pay to install a solar panel system on the roof of the condominium for their personal use. In your request you should include assurances that you will not damage the building s roof or any structure and that any wires you will.

Requests to install solar panels will often require the solar panels to be physically located on common elements require a connection to a common element electrical system and or alter the physical appearance of a condominium unit. But we noticed the roof had space for solar panels and good solar exposure and this potential was completely untapped. In addition all property owners in the golden state enjoy solar easement rights which they can carry out on a case by case basis with their neighbors. If a condo owner wants to install solar panels onto a common rooftop garage or carport a solar site survey could be required.

Installing solar on a condo roof. We ve tried it so there s a good chance you can too. To install solar on the rooftop of your condominium you need to be sure you actually own a portion of the building s roof. Our condominium unit is now equipped with a 1 7 kw solar system that.

If you propose a unit owner project you will need to get approval from the condo association and obtain an easement to authorize system installation and maintenance. You can go solar even if you live in a condo. The legal backdrop that exists also involves a careful balancing of a homeowner s right.