Florida’s abundant sunshine makes it ideal for harnessing solar energy. More Florida homeowners want to switch to solar power, putting HOAs in a tricky spot. While solar panels help save energy and protect the environment, they can also affect a neighborhood’s appearance.
As an HOA board member, you face the challenge of supporting green energy while keeping your community looking its best.
What the law says about solar restrictions
Under the Solar Rights Act, homeowners have the right to install solar panels. No association can expressly prohibit the use of solar equipment, but this doesn’t mean HOAs lack control.
You still maintain oversight responsibilities. Your board can make rules about how and where residents install these panels. You can set guidelines about panel placement and installation methods to keep your community looking sharp.
How to handle solar panels in your neighborhood
Smart placement and design choices can help solar panels blend seamlessly into the property’s architecture. Your HOA can create rules that work for everyone by focusing on practical solutions. Here’s what you can include in your community guidelines:
- Specifying where to install panels, whether on the roof or the ground
- Installing rooftop panels away from the street’s line of sight
- Picking panel colors that match house roofs
- Setting rules for panel alignment and spacing
- Suggesting ways to hide ground panels with plants
- Giving clear rules about maintaining the panels
These simple rules help everyone know what to expect if they want to embrace sustainable solar energy.
Finding a middle ground
As an HOA, you can make solar power work in your neighborhood by creating fair regulations. Make sure your solar panel policies are in your governing documents and shared with your community. This way, everyone can do their part and meet in the middle.
When questions or complaints come up, talk with your residents first. If disputes get worse, consulting a legal professional can help your HOA navigate the legal details.