Hoa Solar Panels Virginia

2454 would make it illegal to restrict the installation of solar panels hoa rules included.

Hoa solar panels virginia. However an hoa may develop certain reasonable restrictions in relation to the size location and placement of solar panels or restrict the installation of panels on common areas within the neighborhood. Solar panels are the wave of the future and present an attractive option for homeowners looking to harness the sun as a natural energy source. Which have solar access laws that stop homeowner s associations from preventing or unreasonably restricting the installation of solar panels. Virginia dc and maryland are three of the forty states in the u s.

The bill protects homeowners who want to install solar from burdensome homeowners association hoa restrictions. An hoa will only prevent you from installing solar panels if your state requires approval for the installation and then rejects the proposal. The legislation protects the rights of homeowners who want to go solar but live in hoa communities said aaron sutch program director for solar united neighbors. Opinion letter from virginia s attorney general regarding hoa restrictions this 2015 letter asserts that hoas do not have the right to prohibit solar unless the prohibition is specifically written into the hoa s recorded declarations.

The american clean energy and security act h r. No community association shall prohibit an owner from installing a solar energy collection device on that owner s property unless the recorded declaration for that community association establishes such a prohibition. But they are allowed to impose reasonable restrictions on their placement. Virginia governor ralph northam has signed hb 414 sb 504.

The code never specifies what reasonable means however. In some cases an hoa may deny you for aesthetic reasons. In virginia hoas are not legally allowed to ban their residents from installing solar panels outright. It s really nebulous language sutch says.

The cost saving benefits of the usage of solar energy and the reduction of the carbon footprint of a neighborhood are excellent reasons why homeowners consider solar energy. This federal law would basically override any hoa rules and private contracts that prohibit solar panels with exceptions. The key is to check your state s solar access rights to see if it can prevent you from going solar. Mdv seia guide for homeowners associations on solar installations in virginia the regional solar industry association has developed this useful guide about the rules for installing solar with regards to hoa regulations.