Neighborhood homeowner’s association (HOA) covenants and restrictions have traditionally been known to ban solar electric and hot water installations on homes, but times are changing. In nearly half of the states, including California and Maryland, state laws have been put in place which make it illegal for an HOA to stop homeowners from installing solar. The most recent state attempting to come aboard is Pennsylvania.


This week a new bill, authored by PA Rep. Tom Houghton (D-Chester), passed the House. House Bill 2234 would prohibit restrictions to deeds or covenants of residential properties that prevent homeowners from installing solar panels. Houghton says he wants to make solar easier and more available to homeowners, without compromising advantages of living under HOA guidelines.


“Like the 21 other states with solar access laws, I wanted this bill to be about creating a freedom of energy choice for Pennsylvania homeowners, while protecting essential HOA agreements,” says Houghton.


Residential solar installation companies, like groSolar, are working directly with homeowner’s associations to educate management and residents of these types of laws, through a series of educational events.


“groSolar has a really unique, no pressure sales approach in a sense that we aim to created empowered and educated consumers.  In some cases, solar isn’t always a viable option, which is why we’re bringing community outreach education and group purchasing programs to various HOA’s in the mid-Atlantic Region to; explain to homeowners what it takes to install solar on their rooftops.  A big part of this initiative is to inform HOA members of their options and solar access laws work,” says Brian Armentrout, Network Marketing Manager, groSolar.


Homeowners should familiarize themselves with their solar access laws, but that doesn’t mean HOA management won’t still try to resist in an attempt to scare homeowners into changing their minds for one reason or another. Aspiring solar homeowners should do their homework, secure copies of the solar access law description, and even consider petitioning neighbors to do the same. After all, as long as a residential solar power system is properly installed, it actually enhances the appearance of one’s home and extends the roof’s lifespan. Solar electricity modules also help keep the house cool during the warm, summer months, because heat from the sun, which would otherwise hit the roof, is absorbed by the dark panels.  Consider these perks along with energy independence and secure electricity rates for the next 30+ years with clean, safe power that doesn’t “spill” or destroy eco-systems.


For more information on House Bill 2234 read the press release from Representative Houghton’s office. You may also join the discussion to hear what other states are doing and how industry pros feel about the issue by visiting groSolar Energy Solutions on Facebook.

This entry was posted on Monday, June 28th, 2010 at 2:41 pm and is filed under General Interest. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.