WA State Dept of Commerce solar installation guidance pg 26 ...should be aware of the law that prohibits homeowners associations (HOAs) from precluding the installation of small renewable energy systems on homes. HOA specific section (pg 18-19) further states the following: Below are some samples of generally agreed upon acceptable and unacceptable provisions for HOAs or similar boards to consider when designing their policies regarding rooftop PV systems: Generally Acceptable: The system will not block existing equipment or access (e.g., people’s driveways, doors, walkways); Require piping/conduit, frames and boxes be painted to match building/roof exterior color, as possible while still allowing the system to function (e.g., do not require the solar absorption (modules) parts of the equipment to be painted, a meter to be covered, or modify a switch to the point it can no longer move); Specify that a solar energy system is allowed to be installed in areas where other modifications are not allowed, such as on the roof on the front of the house. Washington law allows HOAs to require that any solar panels facing the street conform to the slope of the roof and be parallel to the peak of the roof; Modifications to design are allowed that do not increase the cost by more than 10% of the initial installation price, including labor and materials; Installation must meet current public health and safety guidelines, and current related electric or plumbing certification systems. Generally Unacceptable: Direct the color of the system modules - they won’t work if paint covers the module glass; Cannot be seen from other houses, walkways, street; Limit which way the system can face – east, south or west; Limit how many modules a homeowner can install; Limit the number of pieces of equipment such that the system cannot meet current jurisdiction code – e.g., if only allow a meter and inverter but code requires a disconnect; Restrictions that increase the cost by 10% or more of the initial installation price, including labor and materials, Restrictions that decrease the efficiency or electricity output of the system by more than a certain amount (e.g., 10%). nwsolarcommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/ESSP_PlanningZoning.pdf
Posted on: Sat, 05 Jul 2014 06:51:23 +0000
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