While solar panels can take a load off your mind and your bills, they can be difficult to install when you have to fight your homeowners association to do it. One homeowner expressed frustration at the hoops that they had to jump through to get solar panels in their San Diego community.
They shared their problem in the r/SanDiego subreddit. "Are HOAs nonsensical throughout SD county?" they asked. "HOA is giving hard time in installing solar and charging in excess of $1,000-$2,000. It's better to dissolve these HOAs, or [the] state has to chip in to keep control [of] these nonsensical HOAs."
Fees like that one can be disheartening, especially when you're trying to save money. TCD's Solar Explorer can help you understand your options so that you can reduce costs elsewhere when you install solar panels.
Commenters were also eager to help the original poster save money by pointing out their legal options in California, a state that has robust protections for homeowners who want to install solar.
"Above $1K is not likely to be legal in CA," said one user. "I can help you [formulate] arguments to fight it based on [the] civil code if you have more details on what they are charging for."
"California promotes the use of solar energy systems. Accordingly, associations cannot (i) prohibit solar energy systems, (ii) impose restrictions that significantly increase their cost, or (iii) impose restrictions that significantly decrease their efficiency," said another user, referencing California Civ. Code § 714.
It is likely that the original poster would not have to go all the way to court to settle this issue. Instead, they could work within their HOA's regulations to change the rules.
Smart upgrades that slash monthly energy bills
If you have the option to make these home upgrades, they're smart choices for the majority of homes.
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. |
• Going solar can slash your bills, protect you from utility rate hikes, and keep your home powered — even during blackouts
• TCD's Solar Explorer can save you up to $10,000 by comparing competitive installation bids from vetted partners
• Not ready to spend upfront? Palmetto's $0-down LightReach program can lower your utility rate by up to 20%
For another great resource on buying solar panels and getting incentives to lower their cost, plus a way to compare quotes from vetted local installers, visit EnergySage.
You can even combine your solar panels with other electric appliances, such as heat pumps and other energy-efficient HVAC equipment, to lower your utility costs even further with the help of TCD's HVAC Explorer. For help with these home upgrades, you can download the free Palmetto Home app. Take simple actions in your everyday life to unlock up to $5,000 in rewards.
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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 💰 
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