Solar panels for homes and your homeowner’s association

If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association, you know there are regulations which dictate what you can and cannot do on your property. Some homeowners associations are making it harder for homeowners to install solar panels for homes. While this may seem unreasonable to homeowners, a few of the reasons why homeowners associations are against solar panels for homes are listed below.

Solar panels for homes aren't aesthetically pleasing

Today’s solar panels for homes don’t look anything like the big, bulky units that first came out decades ago. Unfortunately, many homeowners associations are living in the past, and still view solar panels as ugly. Today’s solar panels for homes have come a long way and manufacturers have made great improvements to the look of home solar panels, so this should really be a non-issue for a homeowners association.

Some homeowners associations don’t like change

Some homeowners associations are reluctant to chance their policies. This may be because the board members don’t want the change. Whether it’s solar panels for homes or another change being pushed through, some people just aren't agreeable to change.

Homeowners associations are uneducated about solar panels for homes

Since this technology has really been gaining popularity in the last decade, not everyone is educated about the advantages and benefits solar panels for homes offer. To some who aren't aware of how the systems work, it may just seem like homeowners are wanting to switch utility providers, rather than give themselves the power to generate their own electricity. There are also many misconceptions about electric solar energy that can be a turn-off to those making the rules, such as the expense and the capabilities of solar technology. If board members don’t have all the facts about solar panels for homes, they are less likely to change the rules for homeowners wanting to install them.