Equipping your home with solar panels should be seen as a universal good, but some homeowners associations aren't keen on the aesthetics of the money-saving energy collectors — and homeowners are fighting back.
One such homeowner recently vented about their HOA experience on Reddit, explaining that their HOA demanded they move their street-visible roof solar panels. The HOA said the homeowner needs to place the panels on a less visible "side roof," but there's a slight problem with that logic.
"I have a gable roof not a hip roof," the Illinois-based homeowner explained. "[The HOA] could not figure out why I don't have a side roof. To add insult to injury, they state [the panels] can't be seen from the street or side street. I don't know how to tell them but everyone that has them on the side of a hip roof are just as visible as the ones on my house."
Many commenters supported the frustrated homeowner, saying the request is ridiculous — and possibly illegal.
"I don't think an HOA can legally make you remove solar panels; check your state laws," one commenter wrote.
Illinois state law protects a homeowner's rights to install solar panels even if their property is regulated by an HOA. It states, however, that the HOA can have a say in where the panels are placed so long as it doesn't reduce the solar panel's effectiveness by 10% or more.
Solar panels are a common source of conflict between homeowners and HOAs. Many HOA board members worry that solar panels will hurt property values, even though studies have shown that they actually raise home values.
Going solar has a wide range of benefits. According to the Department of Energy, investing in solar panels for your home can reduce or eliminate electric bills. Solar panels also minimize reliance on the energy grid, potentially keeping the lights on during power outages when paired with storage batteries.
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Investing in solar panels for your home could require an upfront cost of about $20,000 to $45,000 depending on where you live, but tax incentives can help reduce the cost by up to 30%. Those incentives expire at the end of 2025, so the time to act is now.
Platforms like EnergySage can help you navigate the various nuances of solar installation. If you're ready to consider an investment, try EnergySage's free online tool to get quick estimates and compare quotes from trusted local installers. The tool makes shopping for solar as easy and affordable as possible, with many users saving up to $10,000 on installation thanks to competitive bidding.
Even with the cost considerations and complexities, going solar is good for your home, your wallet, and your planet. Don't let an HOA tell you otherwise.
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