If a condo owner wants to install solar panels onto a common rooftop garage or carport a solar site survey could be required.
Installing solar panels on a condo.
Going solar in a condo.
First you need to get permission from the board of directors of your condominium.
California established the solar rights act in 1978 which limits the ability of hoas and local governments to prevent the installation of solar panel systems.
Here s what you can do.
Florida statute 163 04 2 expressly prohibits homeowner and condo associations from preventing its members from installing solar collectors clotheslines or other energy devices based on renewable resources from being installed on buildings erected on the lots or parcels covered by the deed restriction covenant declaration or binding agreement.
This will vary based on the building type and ownership type but it s an important requirement.
Requests to install solar panels will often require the solar panels to be physically located on common elements require a connection to a common element electrical system and or alter the physical appearance of a condominium unit.
The legal backdrop that exists also involves a careful balancing of a homeowner s right.
In your request you should include assurances that you will not damage the building s roof or any structure and that any wires you will.
If you propose a unit owner project you will need to get approval from the condo association and obtain an easement to authorize system installation and maintenance.
Under civil code 714 1 if a condo owner wants to install solar panels on their own rooftop or adjacent garage or carport hoas can no longer prohibit them or require a member vote for approval.
My husband and i never thought we could heat our chicago condominium unit with solar energy we don t even own exclusive roof rights on our building.
But we noticed the roof had space for solar panels and good solar exposure and this potential was completely untapped.
You can go solar even if you live in a condo.
There are several approaches that condo dwellers can take to getting condominium solar panels approved.
Installing solar on a condo roof.
In a unit owner project one or more unit owners pay to install a solar panel system on the roof of the condominium for their personal use.
First they ll need to gain permission from their condominium board of directors or homeowners association hoa by confirming that solar will not damage their building s roof and if it does it is covered under a warranty and will increase the property s value.
Our condominium unit is now equipped with a 1 7 kw solar system that.
We ve tried it so there s a good chance you can too.
Obtaining hoa approval to go solar on your condo.
Yes you read that right.
To install solar on the rooftop of your condominium you need to be sure you actually own a portion of the building s roof.
