Installing Solar Panels On A Condo

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.

Installing solar panels on a condo.

The installation of solar panels often leads to discussions about how the solar panels change the look and character of the neighborhood or that they may cause a decrease in property values for the neighborhood. 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. There are several approaches that condo dwellers can take to getting condominium solar panels approved. If a condo owner wants to install solar panels onto a common rooftop garage or carport a solar site survey could be required.

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. First you need to get permission from the board of directors of your condominium. Yes you read that right. To install solar on the rooftop of your condominium you need to be sure you actually own a portion of the building s roof.

This will vary based on the building type and ownership type but it s an important requirement. 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. But we noticed the roof had space for solar panels and good solar exposure and this potential was completely untapped. You can go solar even if you live in a condo.

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. The legal backdrop that exists also involves a careful balancing of a homeowner s right. 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. We ve tried it so there s a good chance you can too.

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. We now use a 1 5 kw solar panel system that generates enough power for our 2 bedroom home. Installing solar on a condo roof. 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.

Going solar in a condo. Here s what you can do. 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.