A frustrated homeowner in California took to Reddit to seek advice about overcoming their HOA's opposition to a planned solar renovation.
The post on r/solar explained the situation. After applying to install solar panels in August, they finally got a response in October. Believing the delayed denial violated state law, the homeowner asked how they could approach the problem without creating a legal quagmire. "I really want to get solar on my townhouse," they wrote, "but I don't want to do anything that could get me fined or in trouble with the HOA."
Commenters offered straightforward advice about the steps the homeowner should take. Many said an hour or two of a lawyer's time was a price worth paying. "You need to speak with a lawyer who will send a certified letter to the HOA," one person recommended. "I've sold up and down CA; it is outright illegal for an HOA to deny you solar."
It's a story that many are all too familiar with: a homeowners association arbitrarily blocks clean energy upgrades without adequate explanation. The often lengthy process just compounds the irritation. The good news is that in most states, including California, homeowners are usually on the right side of the law in these disputes. Even in states where the law is less clear-cut, there's a way to push forward without creating an unpleasant legal battle.
It's a cause worth pursuing, as solar panels can save homeowners tens of thousands of dollars over their lifespan by reducing energy bills to almost nothing. Like any big purchase, it's best to have all the information at hand, and TCD's Solar Explorer can knock up to $10,000 off the installation cost. If upfront price is a concern, Palmetto's LightReach program offers lease deals that require no money down. If you're set on buying rather than leasing, EnergySage has information on incentives to help you get the best deal.
Some users wondered if the delay meant the original poster would miss out on the federal tax credit, but they clarified, "We pushed back with the HOA and we also have a vendor to install the solar for this year."
The general feeling was that most HOA opposition is for the sake of aesthetics, but another person suggested it could be misinformation. "I used to think it was all about appearance, but I recently learned that our HOA president thinks that solar panels are a fire hazard and leach toxic chemicals into the environment," they wrote.
Meanwhile, solar panels aren't the only renovation that homeowners are pursuing to slash their energy bills. The largest energy expense for homes actually comes from heating and cooling. Pairing solar panels with an ultra-efficient heat pump can maximize your home's energy efficiency and compound savings. With TCD's HVAC Explorer, you can find the right system for your home, and Palmetto's Home app can unlock as much as $5,000 in rewards.
Save $10,000 on solar panels — or get them on your roof without paying for purchase or installation Whatever your solar budget, Palmetto can help you save. If you want to buy your own panels, Palmetto's concierge advisors can help you save up to $10,000 on installation through a network of preferred installers. And if you'd rather get solar savings without upfront costs, Palmetto's revolutionary LightReach subscription program can deliver. LightReach lets you lease solar panels with no money down, making it painless to lock in long-term savings. Palmetto covers a 25-year warranty for the panels, which means you'll get reliable performance without unforeseen costs. To get started, just answer a few basic questions about your home and connect with Palmetto's experts to find the option that's right for you. |
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