Is the modern HOA the enemy of solar? I think that it really is. I’m not sure why state amendments that bar homeowners associations from stopping residents from adding solar panels haven’t made it into law. We’re always reading about how expensive energy is and how our power grids are having problems coping with the increased strain, yet it is still legal for a homeowners association to block residents from generating their own energy because someone down the street thinks the panels are unsightly? Absolutely ridiculous. I’m in north Texas, and we have plenty of sun. I would love to be able to add solar panels to my house to help curb the high power bills but we’re unable to, thanks to the HOA. So much energy is wasted on running air conditioners. Having solar panels on my house would absorb a lot of the sun that’s causing the house to heat up in the first place.
One local case make national news. A resident put up solar panels and was promptly sued by his HOA. Fortunately, smarter heads prevailed and the HOA dropped the lawsuit. The article notes that not only is the resident able to offset his entire electrical bill, but he’s able to sell excess energy back to the utilities. Imagine if every house on the street was able to generate enough power for their homes while selling excess back to the grid. Reduced strain on the power grid, reduced consumption of natural resources such as coal, oil, and natural gas, and reduced costs for solar panels. The more that are being produced, the cheaper and more efficient they will become. It’s a win-win situation, so why are people against it?

What do you think, folks?

Tags: economy, energy, home