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Learn more about your right to clean solar energy as a homeowner.
As humans of this planet, we have a right to protect it, right? But what right does an association have to say “no” to its members–that they cannot have solar panels on their homes?
GreenSpark & HOAs: Success Stories
Shawn Lessord, a 28 year veteran in the solar industry at GreenSpark Solar, explains that the Homeowners Association industry is complex. Throughout his time at GreenSpark, he has dealt with several clients in HOAs who want to put solar on their roofs.
Over a decade ago, Shawn met with two separate homeowners who lived in the Allens Creek Valley HOA in Penfield, NY. At the time, there were about 200 units in this HOA, and both of these individuals were determined to get solar. However, both felt that it was going to be a daunting task and had a lot of questions for Shawn.
Fast forward to a little over 10 years later, and Shawn spoke with one of the homeowners, Bill, again. Bill said he was now on the HOA board and he was ready to make solar happen in the complex. Shawn said they met several times and worked with our design team to design the perfect system for Bill.
After a tedious approval process, and with Bill’s tenacity, the board approved the solar project! Once the project was complete, GreenSpark threw a party and got to meet all of the board members. They are now all in favor of solar and think that it looks great on Bill’s house. Although this was a long process, it was a first for GreenSpark and a first for a Monroe County HOA.
After the success with solar in one HOA, Shawn was hoping that solar could be a part of more, and eventually all HOAs in the county. He was excited to sell a solar system to a tract in Greece, NY that had never seen solar before.
The installation was approved by the Town of Greece, New York State, and the local utility. The system was installed with no difficulties.
The future of clean energy & HOAs.
Now you may be wondering–why would a builder put a covenant to preclude solar panels? Because of their appearance? Because of traditional misconceptions about old solar panel technology? Because neighbors won’t like the look of solar panels on a roof?
As we move into a new generation where solar technology has advanced, looks much nicer, and is viable, we ask these Homeowners Associations, home builders, lawyers drafting up these covenants; when the world is facing a global climate pandemic, why would we put restrictions on something like solar? At GreenSpark we believe that clean energy should be a right for homeowners (and renters) everywhere.
Solar technology has changed a lot in the past 50 years. Solar panels have become much more efficient just in the past 20 years alone. The use of solar energy is growing so fast, we can barely keep up. That’s why GreenSpark works with builders & developers to help make solar more accessible and affordable. Homebuilders, lawyers, and board members that work to come up with HOA agreements should consider that solar really is the future for energy when creating rules for HOAs. Everyone should have the option to go solar–it can save both the planet and money.
