Nightwise.org
HOA & Solar Rule
Challenging an HOA Rule that prohibits solar panels.
Residents of a homeowner's association (HOA) that prohibited solar panels asked for more information about solar panels and issues related to solar panels.
Reproduced below at Nightwise.org is the content authored by C. Bueter and originally posted on KPVillas.org pre-2023. Where links to KPVillas.org may now be broken, see PDF versions instead.
KPVillas
KPVillas features three items for homeowners and HOAs who are addressing solar energy systems:
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KPVA Solar Report introduces solar energy systems and common related issues;
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Solution for HOA proposes a Rule that benefits the entire community;
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Energy Independence Out of Sight recommends the Board consider a Rule change.
KPVillas.org was not the official website of any HOA or Board before 2023.
"Reconcile the desire to benefit from solar energy with the desire to maintain home appearances."
Official Rule-Solar Panels
KPVA Official Rule-Solar Panels, adopted March 4, 2008, states, "No solar panel or similar device shall be constructed, placed or attached on the roof or other outside portion of the dwelling house nor maintained on any other portion of any lot.”
At the 2021 Annual Meeting, the KPVA Board called for a committee of volunteers to compile information on solar panels and issues related to solar panels and to report back to the Board. For transparency and access, this website archives the content created by Chuck Bueter for the benefit of homeowners and the Board.
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An introduction to solar energy systems and common issues like appearance, home values, and alternative materials.
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Compilation of homeowner comments followed by replies by Chuck Bueter.
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Guidelines for language and restrictions for a solar panel Rule, from model solar ordinances and other HOAs.
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Reports showing the impact of solar panels on home values.
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Blog posts related to the solar panel Rule.
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A proposed Rule in which homesites are deemed eligible for solar panels on a map depicting roofs not visible from the street.
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Independent Solar Panel Report to the Board
Sent on Nov. 19 with letter by Chuck Bueter that states, "My report details one Solution and recommends the Board consider a Rule change." Absent unanimity, each committee member may offer their own opinion to the Board.
I&M Power has increased rates 29% over the last four years, and I&M Power has a request before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission for an additional 6% increase in electricity rates.
South Bend Tribune
Oct. 27, 2021
Home buyers consistently have been willing to pay more for homes with host-owned solar photovoltaic (PV) energy systems...This equates to a premium of about $15,000 for a typical PV system.
I commend your efforts to "go solar" and agree the official solar rules panels ban should be revised.
KPVA Homeowner
Solar energy standards should...set reasonable aesthetic standards for solar principal uses that are consistent with other principal uses that have visual impacts.