Making a major upgrade to your home can be an important decision that requires a lot of careful thought and research. But what happens when the chance to make a decision is taken out of your hands?
One frustrated homeowner took to r/solar in search of advice following their HOA's surprising rejection of their planned solar panel installation.
Cost-effective home energy hacks, like installing solar panels, can help you bring your cost of energy down to or near $0. TCD's Solar Explorer can connect you with vetted installers and save you up to $10,000 on installation. Unfortunately, this homeowner's HOA was getting in the way of them taking advantage of such savings.
"Any suggestions on best next steps when the HOA denies an application for rooftop panels? This is in Illinois, which has a Solar Rights Act," the original poster asked.
Illinois' Homeowners' Energy Policy Statement Act protects residents' ability to install solar panels by preventing HOAs from outright banning them. However, HOAs can enforce reasonable restrictions as long as they don't significantly impair the system's operation.
While challenging your HOA can seem scary, you are well within your rights to voice your concern. You could even attempt to change the bylaws, which could make it easier for your neighborhood to have energy-efficient homes.
Solar panels can lower your monthly electricity bills and reduce your home's carbon pollution. The Solar Explorer also has $0 down subscription options that can reduce your utility rates by up to 20%. This includes Palmetto's LightReach program, which lets users lock in low energy rates and enjoy all the benefits of solar power.
If you'd rather purchase solar panels, another Solar Explorer partner, EnergySage, provides an array of tools to make the process smooth. It can help you make the most of available incentives, find competitive bids, and connect with local installers.
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. |
Upgrading your HVAC system can be yet another way to help you save money. TCD's HVAC Explorer can help you find an HVAC system that reduces your heating and cooling costs by up to 50%. You can even snag some $0-down subscription options as well.
By downloading the free Palmetto Home app, you can unlock up to $5,000 in rewards to spend on home upgrades by completing easy energy-saving challenges. The app can also help you track and manage your home's energy usage. These insights can go a long way in increasing your energy efficiency.
Down in the comments section of the original poster, many users gave some advice.
"Inform them, in writing, about the relevant laws and penalties and ask them for a response specifically for your legal records going forward," suggested one commenter.
"Contact [your] district State representative. Their denial is illegal," noted another user.
|
If you don't have solar panels on your home, which of these factors is the biggest barrier to installing them? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Upfront costs 💰 
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices — and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.
Cool Picks
