Solar Access
Across the country, many consumers are prevented from installing solar panels on their property due to local ordinances or homeowner association rules. While these rules are often created to ensure uniformity or uphold a community's aesthetic standard, they may unwittingly prohibit the installation of solar electric or solar thermal technology. In lieu of outright prohibition, some rules allow for third parties to require that solar customers make modifications to their system design which may unreasonably increase costs or decrease efficiency.
The tide is shifting and laws are now being used to protect a homeowner's right to solar access from California to Maryland. Solar easements allow a property owner to negotiate for the rights to unobstructed sunlight on his or her property. Solar access laws provide more protection to solar customers by prohibiting or limiting private restrictions on solar, such as from a HOA.
As of December 2010, 38 states either allow solar easements, but only 22 have passed stronger solar access laws. SEIA aims to eliminate unreasonable prohibitions on the installation of solar technologies nationwide through strong solar access laws.
Interconnection Standards
Interconnection standards dictate the administrative process and technical specifications a homeowner or installer must follow to install solar electric property (solar panels, solar hot water heater, etc.) and connect that property to the local utility's distribution system. Learn more about SEIA's policy on Interconnection Standards.
Net Metering
Net metering allows residential and commercial customers who generate their own electricity from solar power to offset electricity that they would otherwise have to purchase from a utility. Learn more about SEIA's policy on Net Metering.
Recent Solar Access News
The House-passed energy and climate bill included a provision which would direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to prohibit private covenants or homeowners associations from preventing the installation of solar systems through rules or excessive fees.
Additional Solar Access Resources
- Related Documents
- A Comprehensive Review of Solar Access Law in the United States
- The Solar America Board for Codes & Standards released this review of U.S. solar access law in 2008. It includes typical examples of solar access disputes and recommendations for statute design.
- A Comprehensive Review of Solar Access Law in the United States
- Related Links
- Related Legislation
