Have you decided to go solar? Congratulations! Solar is a great way to save money on your energy bills and do your part to reduce your carbon footprint. But before you start shopping for solar panels, there’s something important you need to do: check with your homeowner association (HOA).
You might be wondering, do I need to tell my HOA if I’m installing solar panels? The answer is yes. Here are many reasons why:
- It’s the law: Depending on where you live, you may be required by law to notify your HOA of your solar plans. This is usually the case if your HOA has recorded covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs).
- To avoid potential conflicts: If you don’t tell your HOA about your solar plans, you could end up in a conflict with them down the road. By letting them know upfront, you can avoid any potential problems.
- To get approval: In some cases, your HOA may need to approve your solar plans before you can proceed. This is usually only required if your HOA has recorded CC&Rs.
- To find out if there are any restrictions: Even if approval isn’t required, your HOA may have restrictions on solar installations. For example, they may have guidelines on where the panels can be placed on your property. By checking with your HOA beforehand, you can find out if there are any such restrictions.
- To get a sense of what your neighbors will think: It’s always a good idea to talk to your neighbors about your solar plans. They may be supportive, or they may have concerns. By talking to them beforehand, you can get a sense of what they think and address any concerns they may have.
- To avoid making changes later: If you don’t tell your HOA about your solar plans and they find out after the fact, they may require you to make changes (like moving the location of the panels). This can be costly and time-consuming, so it’s best to avoid this by letting them know upfront.
- To keep everyone happy: At the end of the day, your goal is to keep everyone happy – yourself, your HOA, and your neighbors. By telling your HOA about your solar plans, you’re more likely to achieve this goal.
- To stay on good terms with your HOA: It’s always a good idea to stay on good terms with your HOA. If you have a good relationship with them, they’ll be more likely to work with you if there are any issues down the road.
- Because they may have solar incentives: In some cases, HOAs offer solar incentives to encourage homeowners to go solar. These can include things like discounts on monthly dues or a waiver of solar permit fees. By checking with your HOA beforehand, you can find out if they offer any such incentives.
Installing solar panels is a big decision, but it’s one that comes with many benefits. Just be sure to notify your HOA before proceeding, so everyone is on the same page and there are no surprises down the road.