Southwest Florida Home with Great Roof for Solar

Solar Panels With Homeowners and Condo Associations (HOA) in Florida

In Education 60 Comments

Being good neighbors, most of us are concerned about what neighbors may think when we endeavor to install solar panel on a home. We are frequently asked the question,

“Can my Homeowners Association (HOA) or Condo Association prevent me from installing solar panels or tell me where to put them.”

Generally speaking, the answer is NO, a homeowners association is not able to prevent you from installed solar panels, and that is solidly in law in Florida Statute 163.04. This statute does give the association some power to tell you where to put solar panels, but only if it will not impair the effective operation of the system. While some HOAs would like to dictate that solar panels cannot be placed on the front of the home or visible from the street (or golf course or waterway), the law is clear, and they cannot make such restrictions. In fact, it is extremely rare that an HOA would be able to dictate where to put solar panels anywhere other than the location that makes the most sense from a performance standpoint. The law has been challenged, upheld, and courts have sided very clearly with homeowners on this issue.

From a practical standpoint, you don’t want to end up in a battle with your neighbors or your neighborhood. Most community boards and especially professional management companies are well aware of the law, and rarely present any trouble as a result. Solar is so ubiquitous in Southwest Florida that it is accepted in most every community to install solar panels with few restrictions. Some communities require that you paint pipes and equipment to match the home, but even that can be challenged under the law because it may have the effect of prohibiting the installation of solar collectors and goes against the intent of the law. Most people just comply if the cost is minimal and don’t ruffle any feathers with their neighbors.

The orientation and placement is usually the biggest sticking point. Take, for example, the home pictured below. The most southerly facing roof, the largest roof surface, is the roof that would be most productive for a solar panel system. It is also the only roof that a HOA can dictate that you place your solar panels. If you wanted to place solar panels on the small roof at the back of this house (West-Southwest), the HOA could require that you exhaust the usable space on the South-Southeast roof first. They cannot force you to put solar panels on the roof at the back of the house because it is not withing 45 degrees of true south orientation. In other words, the homeowner would be in the  driver’s seat with regards to location of the solar panels on this home, as is usually the case unless the homeowner chooses to place solar panels where they are less productive, which would be pretty rare.

Southwest Florida Home with Great Roof for Solar

The home pictured here has only one suitable roof, and only one roof where an HOA can dictate placement.

 

The full text of Florida Statute 163.04 (2014) appears below:

163.04 Energy devices based on renewable resources.

(1) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter or other provision of general or special law, the adoption of an ordinance by a governing body, as those terms are defined in this chapter, which prohibits or has the effect of prohibiting the installation of solar collectors, clotheslines, or other energy devices based on renewable resources is expressly prohibited.
(2) A deed restriction, covenant, declaration, or similar binding agreement may not prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting solar collectors, clotheslines, or other energy devices based on renewable resources from being installed on buildings erected on the lots or parcels covered by the deed restriction, covenant, declaration, or binding agreement. A property owner may not be denied permission to install solar collectors or other energy devices by any entity granted the power or right in any deed restriction, covenant, declaration, or similar binding agreement to approve, forbid, control, or direct alteration of property with respect to residential dwellings and within the boundaries of a condominium unit. Such entity may determine the specific location where solar collectors may be installed on the roof within an orientation to the south or within 45° east or west of due south if such determination does not impair the effective operation of the solar collectors.
(3) In any litigation arising under the provisions of this section, the prevailing party shall be entitled to costs and reasonable attorney’s fees.
(4) The legislative intent in enacting these provisions is to protect the public health, safety, and welfare by encouraging the development and use of renewable resources in order to conserve and protect the value of land, buildings, and resources by preventing the adoption of measures which will have the ultimate effect, however unintended, of driving the costs of owning and operating commercial or residential property beyond the capacity of private owners to maintain. This section shall not apply to patio railings in condominiums, cooperatives, or apartments.

Comments

  1. Our condo assoc lawyer just advised the board to deny application for solar roof panels on unit. Reason- owner does not own roof. slo board fesrd damage yo exisying dttucture- roof is 20 years old.Am I reading this correctly that the owners have a basis for legal suit?

    1. Author

      Susan, to answer your question, you are not reading it correctly. If the condo association owns the roof, they can do whatever they want with regards to restricting solar panels. You don’t own the roof. It’s considered a common element. This article pertains to HOAs and some condos where the unit owner also owns the roof. If you are responsible for maintenance and replacement of your roof, it is probably not a common element and you would have a case. It sounds like in your case the roof is owned by the condo. You will have no basis to challenge the association.

      1. As president of a condo association are u still sticking to ur opine that ‘since the condo owns the roof, it, the board, has the right to deny installation of solar collectors on the condo’s roof’?
        Sandy Mendelsohn…

        1. Author

          Hi Sanford,

          Yes, but it depends on your condo documents. Usually, the roof of a multi-family condo is a common element and the board has sole discretion. The board could install solar panels for the benefit of the community (i.e. for common electrical needs). This is not legal advice, of course, but that is generally how it works. Individual condo owners have no say since they cannot commandeer a common element for any use that is not permitted in the condo docs.

      2. I am in this situation with my condo to some extent. I own the townhome. But I am responsible for any damage and maintenance of the outside structure (including mold, dirt, and things like shutter falling off or any siding). Now they will paint the entire unit when needed. And as to the roof, if the entire roof needs to be replaced then it is the HOA that pays. But if say shingles or gutters over my unit are damaged or worn out then I am on the hook for the expense. So in this case do I have the right to install solar panels?

        1. Author

          Hi Bob,

          That comes down to your condo documents. You will need to see what they say about modifications and common elements. You may need a qualified attorney to help you.

          Jason

  2. Hello, I am in the process of having my solar project approved for my home in sw Miami dade with my HOA. They are mailing a formal response to me, after supposedly sending it to the property mangagement company attorney for his/her blessing and having me wait over 3 weeks. My question is this…. I believe I understand the Solar rights law as it reads, but, can an HOA dictate the type of panel that can be used(I.e. Shingle style PVs as opposed to standard black PV panels)? I think this is what they are attempting to have me do for approval.
    Thanks

    1. Author

      They definitely can’t do that. It would drastically impede the performance and cost astronomically more than standard framed PV modules. This would fall under something that would make it cost unreasonably more, making it illegal.

  3. Hi I am curious to how this law impacts the ability for ground mounted systems. My HOA does not allow for detached building without approval yet I dont think a solar cluster is a building.

    1. Author

      The law does not prohibit a HOA from denying you the right to install ground-mounted solar arrays. The statute only covers solar panels on a roof of a residential structure up to three stories in height. The statute does prevent the HOA from forcing you to install a ground mounted system, however.

      In your case, a ground-mounted array would be considered a separate structure, and the HOA is within its rights to prevent it.

  4. I live in a Condo Association. My patio/lanai is south-west facing and has a large vacant wall area that I could potentially install solar panels. The condominium documents say this wall and entire patio/lanai is a limited common element and exclusive to my unit. Most of my neighbors hang artwork on this wall; a couple have installed a TV. One neighbor has a dart board. I don’t see any reason why the HOA could restrict my right to use this wall for a small grid tie system. What is your thought about using this wall for a solar system?

    1. Author

      A photovoltaic system mounted on a wall would perform very poorly at out latitude. It would produce roughly 40% less on a southwest wall than at the optimum tilt on a southwest roof. If there is an eave or any shading, it would be even worse.

  5. I am on the Board of an HOA – the units are townhomes and the owners own the roof but the Association does repair and replacement for usual wear. If owner was to place Solar Panels on the roof could we refuse any future repair or replacement of the roof area because of the alteration of structure?

    1. Author

      Judy, that’s an interesting question. I suspect it comes down to what’s written in your HOA documents. I suspect that since the alteration was made by an owner, they would be required to remove the solar panels for roof repair/replacement, but the HOA would still be responsible for their part. I can draw a parallel – I installed hurricane shutters at a condo I own on a lanai. When the association needed to replace the lanai railing and screens and drop edges, owners were required to remove shutters at their own cost prior to the work, and required to put them up after the work again at their own cost. I suspect that if my shutters did damage to any of the structure that the association maintains, that I would have been responsible as well. I would advise you to consult your attorney to be sure, but this seems to make sense.

  6. Hello. We applied for thin film solar panels with our HOA. Our application was denied as the HOA said solar panels are approved, but not a metal roof. A metal roof is required to install the thin film solar panels. The panels can not be applied to a shingle roof. The HOA documents do not dictate which type of solar panels can be installed. We want to go with thin film panels and a metal roof due to being able to withstand high wind speeds. Can we be denied a solar panel system because it requires a metal roof? Thanks

    1. Author

      Yes, an HOA can dictate your roof type. There are solar products that work on all roof types. They are not denying you solar

      Thin film is nowhere near as efficient (power and cost efficient). Virtually nobody installs adhesive thin film panels anymore. Traditional crystalline framed modules are industry standard for a good reason. Wind resistance is addressed by good design and installation practices. Having just gone through Hurricane Irma, I can tell you unequivocally that the threat is minimal. Flying debris is a greater threat, and that applies to thin film also.

      I think you are headed down the wrong path. Thin film adhesive panels aren’t all they are said to be. Pretty much every major manufacturer is out of business. I wouldn’t offer or recommend this product.

  7. So, the HOA can deny us which type of solar panels WE want to use? Thanks.

    1. Author

      The law addresses only performance in general terms. Since another kind of panel would technically perform better, I believe they would be well within their rights under Florida Statutes. And the roof type restriction is not related to the solar panels anyway. They are not denying you solar panels. They are denying you a metal roof.

      Frankly, I don’t even know where you would buy a thin film adhesive solar panel anymore. They can’t even be used with modern power optimizers or microinverters. Their usefulness is very limited. I understand your concern, but it’s not shared by many. The industry has come a long way with attachment and flashing options. There are other problems with thin film adhesive panels that also detract from the benefits (i.e. thermal cycling, adhesive longevity, power degradation, high DC voltage, wire management, repair/replacement, design limitations, warranty length and backing, etc).

  8. If the roof needs to be replaced in a COA where the association owns the roof who is responsible for the cost to remove and reinstall the solar panels. 2 of our 7 units have installed solar panels to heat their pools with board approval.

    1. Author

      You should contact your attorney on this one. If it isn’t explicitly addressed in your association documents, it could be open to interpretation. It stands to reason that the unit owner modified the common element, so they would be responsible for the cost of getting it out of the way for repair/replacement. After all, if the roof was owned by that unit owner, they would have to bear the cost. It just seems fair that way.

  9. We are in Naples, FL and got hit directly by Hurricane Irma. We thought our roof was fine, because from ground level everything appeared unchanged. Fast forward 7 months, and now we are beginning the rainy season. Our daughter found water in the corner of her room the other day, so my husband called a friend in the roofing business. He got up on our roof and found that the whole roof is compromised because the barrel tiles were easily lifted in the winds. He says that these tiles can now fly off very easily in the next storm. Getting to my point, if my neighborhood was built in 2004 with all homes having barrel tile roofs, and it has now been shown that a metal roof is more energy efficient and will hold up to wind better than our existing roof did, how could my HOA prevent me from protecting my property with a new metal roof that is more energy efficient and wind resistant than a barrel tile one? Can they prevent me from using the most energy efficient materials just because my roof materials aren’t the same as my neighbors? I’m pretty sure my homeowner’s insurance would prefer a metal roof, so they don’t have to replace the roof again with the next big storm. We want a roof for the long term and don’t feel that old rules and construction methods should outweigh making the right choice for such a large investment. Given the energy efficiency, wouldn’t a metal roof qualify as an approved energy efficient device and be allowed regardless of what the HOA says?

    1. Author

      This statute does not address roof type, and it is my understanding that Florida law allows HOAs a lot of latitude in maintaining the architectural homogeneity of their communities. I personally don’t prefer the boring cookie-cutter look where all homes are seemingly unidentifiable but to each their own. Before you choose to live in a community with an HOA, I recommend you review the community documents and talk to people to determine how strict the architectural review board is regarding roof types and solar panels. There are a wide range of practices and roadblocks that HOAs can put up (i.e. long wait times for architectural review, damage deposits, visual shielding, etc). While there are clear advantages of HOA communities, you may find some that are “better” than others for your purposes. This is often a shock to new Florida residents, where HOAs are prevalent in new communities.

      It sounds like you are stuck with a tile roof, but there are ways to make them more wind resistant. For example, I have seen some recently going in with two screws rather than one, and tile roof foam adhesives are incredibly strong. For example, we are the only local contractor to use the foam set tile method where we actually increase the wind resistance in the area where we install solar pool heating panels. We found after Hurricane Irma that many roofs were damaged, but the area where the solar panels were installed was completely fine!

      It’s also important to note that we saw mostly ridge and hip caps torn off roofs. I would focus on that if I were getting a new roof installed. We’re not roofers, but there has to be a more secure way of installing this part of the roof. I suspect a foam set method would help, but again, I’m not a roofer.

    2. Author

      I’ll also note that new codes have been implemented that will make your 2018 roof more wind resistant than your 2004 roof. Design wind speeds have increased and materials and methods have improved. We see most tile roofs being installed over a peel and stick underlayment rather than asphaltic underlayments, which is probably what you have now.

  10. The front of our house (Florida) faces southeast. The planned installation of the solar panels is primarily on the left side of the house (facing southwest), however, they could not fit all of the solar panels on the side and need to install 4 solar panels on the front facing side. After initial review by the committee, they made a site visit and I advised them and handed a copy of the Florida Solar Rights Act. The committee consulted with the HOA attorney and rejected my request using other ridiculous excuses. The contractor made a second visit to see if they can find a compromise (now they will only need 2 solar panels on the front of the house and on a different front facing roof section. They advised me that any other location would affect production. and we will resubmitting the request addressing all of their excuses. This has been dragging out for over a month. How long can the HOA committee play their games. Do I have recourse to install and bring litigation if they fine us.

    1. Author

      Barry… So frustrating. The law does not give a timeframe, but I think you would have a good case if the HOA is being nonresponsive, frivolous, or obstructionists. An attorney would probably advise you to get approval before you proceed, since starting a project without getting approval could open you up to fines. This is one of those cases for asking permission rather than forgiveness is probably the best route. If you know one, I would get an attorney to write a sternly written demand letter to compel them to approve your project under the threat of litigation. The statute specifically allows you to recover attorney fees.

      I’d be curious to see what silly excuses they are using.

      You might also contact your local news or share your experience on social media. Sometimes a little pressure from publicizing issues goes a long way.

  11. I live in an HOA townhouse community with common roofs. Individual owners do Not own the roof. It is common property. Does the statute give an individual owner the right to install panels in the roof above their home in this type of HOA common roof situation?

    1. Author

      No. If you don’t own the roof, you have no such right. Think of it this way… If there is an upstairs and a downstairs unit, who would have the right to the roof immediately above those units? Regardless, common property in a condo is intended for common use, not for the sole benefit of an individual unit owner. The condo association could install solar panels to offset usage on the house utility meter to reduce expenses for the overall community.

  12. Hello,

    I live in a single family home with an HOA. I recently had solar panels installed on both the south and west facing sides on my home. The south facing side is the front of the house and produces more energy than all other sides. The HOA is saying I cannot have solar panels on the front of the house and says solar panels cannot be visible by the street. Does the HOA have the right to tell me to move my solar panels?

    1. Author

      No, they don’t. Not in Florida. Cite the statute, tell them to send it to their attorney, and hire your own if necessary.

  13. Thank you Jason. I will try citing the statute. Hopefully it doesn’t progress far enough to need an attorney.

  14. My homeowners association showed up at my house and told them to stop working because it had not been approved yet. They were practically done and I had already spoken with them and told them they began to work on it. I also shared the law here i Florida that states they cant stop me or deny me anything and their excuse is they have 30 days to stop approve.

    1. Author

      Yes, while they can’t deny you your rights, you still need to follow the association rules with respect to architectural modifications. If an application process is in place they have up to 30 days by law to approve or deny an application. Ultimately the law is on your side, but the HOA also has rights.

  15. We are contracted with Dept of green energy to provide us with 17kw of power if the panels were mounted as per green energy provided approved plan. The alternate hoa plan wants it installed on a flat roof that would only provide 15kw of power…….we were expecting to save an average of 200.00 per month on electric, but the 15kw plan would not be as efficient. The hoa has gotten a professor from a local college to confirm the flat roof is they will give us.
    At the present the Federal government agency….dept. of green energy feels the initial plan is what we should get and have.
    We were 60 % installed and the hoa put the cease order on us………they are giving us the okay to install on the flat roof but not on the pitched roof. It is in the hands of green energy (3weeks).

    1. Author

      It’s always risky to proceed without HOA approval, but it sounds like you have a case based on the statute. The HOA can only force you to install it within 45 degrees of due south. A flat roof would not qualify (unless they argue that it can be pitched, but that would impede the performance since you would lose space or production due to inter-row shading). It sounds like you have a case.

  16. Our HOA in Sunrise FL just denied our application to install solar panels. Reason given was the unit is a condo so roof is connected with neighbor’s roof. Is there any way to get around this if neighbor is willing to give permission? If the design is such that the panels are away from neighbor’s side?

    1. Author

      That is going to depend on how the condo docs are written. If the roof is maintained by the condo, chances are that is a common element and you have no claim to that property. On the other hand, if you are personally responsible for maintaining the roof, there is a good chance that they have no standing and you own that roof. It’s time to get an attorney involved if you want to go to battle with them. If they maintain the roofs, you’re probably wasting your time.

  17. Thanks Jason! We are trying to find out we are the sole owners of the roof. They have told us that we are responsible for any repairs to the roof. HOA does pressure cleaning.
    This is the response re the reason for denial:
    “”The reason is that the roofs are shared and they can cause damage and inconvenience to neighbors when repairing a leak or anything needed including pressure cleaning done by the Association.”

    1. Author

      That sounds like they are on shaky ground, but it boils down to the condo docs. You might own the roof and need to maintain it, but the condo docs might require that they clean it. In that case, I don’t see how they would have any standing. But that might not be the whole story. It’s time to lawyer up probably!

  18. Jason,
    As a board member, I am well aware of the state statutes on solar energy. We have no problems with homeowners and solar panels, but recently we have a homeowner that wants a Tesla roof. We have never dealt with this before. All the homes in the community have the same color asphalt shingled roofs. Yes cookie cutter, but it keeps uniformity. We have quite a few houses with solar panels, and are aware that there are solar tiles which can be integrated with the asphalt shingles. As you know a solar tiled roof like a Tesla roof is a whole new ball game. Do you have any suggestions for how we can address this in our guidelines? Does the board have any say in what type of solar tiled roofing system a homeowner can have? Thanks
    .

    1. Author

      Hi Marguerite,

      I’m not sure if this has been tested anywhere, but I don’t think the HOA will have much of a leg to stand on. Solar shingles and solar tiles are the same thing. These are ambiguous terms, but ultimately they are small solar panels, and would presumably be covered under the Florida Statute.

      I understand the desire for uniformity, but the statute is clear in its intent.

      While the Tesla “Solar Roof” looks great in my opinion, I cannot recommend it at this time. It is way too expensive relative to the energy it produces and the alternatives. It also presents a serviceability nightmare. Your resident would be well served by reconsidering the decision to go solar in this manner. The most cost-effective way to go solar at this time earning the highest ROI is with traditional framed modules on a standard roof covering, even if you are replacing your entire roof. Most importantly, who is going to service the roof when something goes wrong? You would be limited to an infinitesimally small group of roofers that could service the roof, and they may not even be local. I have a feeling that some of the early adopters of this technology will eventually regret the decision.

  19. I am a board member for a FL community of 10 acre homesites. We do not have any guidelines in place regarding solar. We recently had a new resident request a 14’x45’x8’ tall ground mounted solar array that is located 88’ at an approximate 45 degree angle from the NW corner of their house. We requested the resident place the system on the roof. The resident submitted a letter from their engineer stating the ground mounted system and location is the “ optimal system design and location for the best performance over the life of the system.” “A roof mounted system is not ideal due to the heavy shading from trees to the south which will affect the production performance of the system and decrease the economic benefit in terms of cost savings”

    We requested the resident lower the angle to a maximum 5’ top height. The engineer responded with this explanation “ The ideal angle (also known as tilt) of a ground mounted array is dependent on the geographic coordinate (latitude specifically) of the project location and is designed to optimize solar production. In addition the height of the array is needed for unobstructed wind flow through the ground mount; flattening the array will significantly affect the production performance of the system (and economic savings over the system lifetime) and decreasing the height of the array (closer to the ground) will obstruct wind flow, causing wind resistance related degradation of the panels and the framing components.”

    The resident did agree to completely screen the ground mounted array on 3 sides and additional screening from the road frontage if needed.

    We have met with opposition from other residents who do not support a ground-mounted system based on aesthetics and feel it will decrease their property values.

    So our question is, as an HOA under FS 163.04, do we legally have the right to deny a ground mounted system and grant approval based only on a roof mounted system even if the engineer states that we are affecting performance with this request? Are we allowed to restrict the height or any part of the footprint even if the engineer states that we are affecting performance with this request? Are we allowed to deny a ground-mounted array on the grounds that it is a separate structure even thought we have no policy specifically prohibiting ground-mounted systems?

    Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated.

    1. Author

      Hi Lynnett,

      Unfortunately, I don’t think the HOA is going to have a leg to stand on. The statute is clear in its intent. Forcing the homeowner to place the panels on a roof, whether shaded or not, may impair the operation of the system. Ground-mounted arrays can be designed to be more productive. And the tilt and azimuth of the array affect its output. If a professional engineer or a licensed solar contractor certifies that one of the restrictions would impede the performance of the system, that restriction would likely not hold up. I suggest your HOA make reasonable requests to provide visual barriers to the extent that it would not make the installation cost-prohibitive for the property owner who wants solar panels. That is subjective, of course, but ultimately it is in your best interest to work this out amicably. As for the residents who claim that solar panels would decrease property values, there is plenty of evidence that this is not the case. Based on how many people we have moving here from other states who specifically want solar panels on their homes, I would seriously question the conclusion that solar panels affect the property value of neighboring parcels. Clearly the resident who wants solar panels would have no interest in reducing their own property value, so that’s one person who doesn’t see this as an issue.

      As long as this accessory structure meets the setback requirements for the jurisdiction, I think you would have a hard time denying the application. Hopefully your residents can work this out.

  20. Can an HOA raise your dues if you go solar? One of our clients told us that the HOA said they could get the panels but that they would be raising their monthly dues.

    1. Author

      Adriana,
      Just when I thought I had heard everything… That is the craziest thing I have heard in a while. I am certain that this discriminatory behavior would be laughed out of court. It goes directly against the intent of the statute protecting property owners. I have to think there was something else to this story.

  21. Hi Jason,

    My HOA denied my request on the day of the install that they were aware of. They circled the drawings and said they would review again if my contractor would send a new drawing that has the 4 panels facing the street moved somewhere else. The contractor is saying that there is nowhere else to move those 4 panels facing the street that wouldn’t greatly impact the efficiency of the system. The contractor is also saying that it doesn’t matter that they denied it because they cannot block the solar panels from being installed. Is this accurate or can my HOA fine me for installing without approval and can they make me move those 4 panels?

    1. Author

      Kathi,
      I don’t know the exact circumstances of your case, but it definitely sounds like they do not have the right to deny your request under Florida statutes. With that said, you should seek your association’s approval prior to installation. It’s your choice whether you want to fight it before the installation or after the fact. If you already received approval and a subsequently on proved plans changed, you are probably in a better position. If they are not willing to listen to reason and understand the statute, you should contact your attorney.

  22. Put an offer on a property back in March and asked the property manager if solar panels with a backup battery would be allowed. I did not get a response until 5 hours after I closed on the property (5/14) telling me that solar installations would NOT be allowed in the community. They also said that, in order for the COA Board to approve my application, I would be required to sign a document stating that I understand that I will be prohibited from installing solar on the property.
    The property looks like a 2-story townhouse, but is classified as a condo. The roof is considered a common area and is maintained by the HOA. Based on the previous comments on this page, this means that the COA is well within their rights to prohibit the roof installation.
    HOWEVER, I have chronic health/mobility issues that make it necessary for me to have reliable, uninterrupted power. I am a disabled veteran, and my doctor is on standby and ready to confirm my disability. This was briefly mentioned in my original inquiry to the property manager, and I suggested a backup standby gas generator as an alternative if they would not allow solar. They said that neither one of those would be allowed.
    If the solar equipment (panels plus backup battery) is requested as a “reasonable accommodation” for my disability, should the COA at least consider allowing it?

    1. Author

      Kay,

      The Florida solar rights law does not make any accommodations, waivers, or exceptions for people with disabilities. The condo owns the building exterior. You only own what’s inside. Unfortunately, it sounds like you will not be able to install solar panels.

      Sorry,

      Jason

  23. When the roof of a condominium is a common element, not owned exclusively by the Unit Owner, can the Association say no to solar panels placed on the roof?

    Our condominium has no exclusive outdoor/exterior space. At best our assigned courtyards and patios are “limited common elements.”

    How does this law affect us? Is this law limited to “within the boundaries of a condominium unit,” i.e., owned/maintained by the Unit Owner?

    1. Author

      If the roof is a common element, you don’t own it. The association owns it. Therefore you have no right to put solar panels on it unless approved by the association (not likely to happen).

  24. I am looking to place solar panels on my roof. I requested installation on the West, South, and East sides of the roof. (I live in Florida in a HOA community.) The West and East are outside the 45 degree limitation from due South. Is this where the association has authority? There is a caveat (Florida Statute) within an orientation to the south or within 45° east or west of due south if such determination does not impair the effective operation of the solar collectors,” – can associations decide where the panels will go? Can they hire a solar expert to confirm otherwise?

    1. Author

      The HOA can tell you that you must put panels within 45º of due south instead of east or west, but they effectively cannot say you cannot put panels east or west. Essentially this is a meaningless section and poorly written. Think about it – most homeowners would want to put panels as close to south as possible. The only reason you might not is if the front of your house faces south and you wanted to put panels on the east. In this case, the HOA would most likely agree with you, although they would have the right to say you have to put panels on the front as long as it didn’t impede the performance (if the south is not large enough, for example. What’s most important is focusing on the intent of the law. The state encourages solar panel installation and intends for the HOA to have limited power over where it can go.

      So in your case, since south (alone) is not sufficient for your needs and would impede the performance of your system, you are well within your rights to use the east and west roofs as well.

      As for whether they can hire an expert to provide an opinion – of course they can. But that isn’t going to get them far. It would be virtually impossible for a truthful expert to say putting panels other than the best locations would not impede the performance, save for potential shading isses.

  25. This is a great forum and thank you for posting and answering many difficult questions about solar panels. We have a 4 plex design of townhomes and a common roof. Recently an owner contracted a solar company to install panels on the common roof. In our community the roof’s are a common element. And as you have many examples in this forum of owners attempting to install solar on common elements, this owner says he trumps all our HOA rules and has the right to install on the common element. We do also have in our docs that any changes such as this need to be approved through the architectural change form. The owner ignored the ARC form and never submitted. We now lost our warranty because the owner sent his contractors to measure the roof and they went on the roof to measure. Our community lawyer is unsure on how to proceed. Do you have any suggesitons?

    1. Author

      If the owner of he townhomes does not own and maintain the roof and it is the HOA’s responsibility, then the owner would have no right to modify it. That sounds like pretty basic condo law, but I am not a lawyer and do not profess to be an expert. This situation is not really any different than a unit owner deciding unilaterally and without permission to install a slide at the community pool. The pool is community property, just like the roof(s).

      Anyway, it sounds like the HOA is responsible for maintaining the roofs in your case, in which you would have every right to prevent someone from modifying it. If your lawyer isn’t willing to take your case, find another one! If they proceed, the unit owner could be in serious legal jeopardy.

      I seriously doubt that someone measuring a roof would void a warranty. For example, frequently in these kinds of communities, HVAC is roof mounted and serviced by contractors regularly without voiding warranties. If you roofing company is threatening to void a warranty over someone taking measurements, that us nonsensical.

      The bottom line is that you give up some rights and freedoms when moving into a condominium. One of those freedoms often is the ability to install solar panels. Regular HOAs that govern single family home communities usually do not maintain the roofs, so this doesn’t apply. The homeowner have significant rights when it comes to solar panel installations.

  26. I want to make sure that I’m understanding this currently. If the HOA owns the roof, then there’s nothing I can do? I live in a townhouse.

    1. Author

      Rudy – correct. You don’t own the roof. You can’t put solar panels on it without permission from the owner.

  27. I live in a community of one story villas. There are 4 villas in each building. My neighbor just installed solar panels that extend over my portion of the roof. Is this acceptable?

    1. Author

      Hi Terry, I think the answer is “probably not acceptable,” but it boils down to your condo/HOA documents. Those are the legal documents that dictate what are common elements and where you have exclusive control. There is nothing in the solar rights statute that would cover this. It’s a condo/HOA law issue. Common sense would say that they have no right to do this, since it deprives you the right to install solar panels there. Also, the association is allowing something on what would rationally be considered exclusively yours. Imagine if your neighbor applied to have your front door (and only your front door) painted pink and the association said okay. That would be problematic. I see this being a similar situation.

      I should mention that your neighbor probably wasn’t acting maliciously. It was probably a clueless contractor that didn’t pay attention to this potential issue. The neighbor may have been oblivious to the problem. Ultimately, though, your neighbor is responsible for what their contractor does.

  28. I live in a two story condominium. From the Q&A above, I cannot force a permanent roof installation of PV panels. I also understand that the statute does not provide for the permanent installation of PV panels on my porch, which is considered a limited common element.

    My question involves what solution is possible for emergency power during times of extended power outages (e.g. 2005).

    I have a quiet, digitable gas-powered generator, which saved my refrigerated food during the last outage, but I learned then that gas powered generators were not permitted, even in emergencies.

    Does the law provide for emergency use of solar panels / solar generators, with panels within our screened-in individual porches and perhaps flush interior to our kitchen window?

    Primary objective is to preserve frozen and refrigerated food during extended power outages.

    1. Author

      Hi Cave,

      You are probably out of luck living in a condo for extended power outages. For outages of a couple of days you may be able to use large portable battery backup systems without the benefit of recharging from solar power. You can keep it charged up on grid power and then plug in critical loads during an outage. Once the power is restored, you would recharge it with grid power.

      You could try to recahrge with some temporary solar panels inside of your screened porch, but you are unlikely to get an appreciable amount of energy each day. The screen will block over 30% of the power and since the sun is mostly overhead for most of the day in the summer, the panels will be largely shaded. Solar panels rely on direct sunlight for performance and diffuse sunlight will not provide much power.

      Jason

Leave a Reply to Jason Szumlanski Cancel reply